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With AI and computer vision, almost any platform can be autonomous

With AI and computer vision, almost any platform can be autonomous
With AI and computer vision, almost any platform can be autonomous

The use of computer vision and perceptive autonomy can have a profound impact on speeding the Observe, Orient, Decide and Act (OODA) loop.

Beyond Blackjack: DARPA planning new X-plane to give ship COs local ISR assets

Beyond Blackjack: DARPA planning new X-plane to give ship COs local ISR assets
Beyond Blackjack: DARPA planning new X-plane to give ship COs local ISR assets

The program manager told Breaking Defense all six companies remaining in the program are narrowing in on a similar design incorporating folding wings.

First Replicator systems delivered to users, Hicks says

First Replicator systems delivered to users, Hicks says
First Replicator systems delivered to users, Hicks says

“The delivery of Replicator systems to the warfighter began earlier this month. This shows that warfighter-centric innovation is not only possible; it’s producing real results,” Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said in a statement.

Following Replicator win, AeroVironment sees strong demand for Switchblade, loitering munitions

Following Replicator win, AeroVironment sees strong demand for Switchblade, loitering munitions
Following Replicator win, AeroVironment sees strong demand for Switchblade, loitering munitions

“We already expanded production ahead of Replicator, and irrespective of Replicator, because we know where this is going,” AeroVironment CEO Wahid Nawabi told Breaking Defense.

Pentagon confirms Switchblade 600 made first Replicator tranche

Pentagon confirms Switchblade 600 made first Replicator tranche
Pentagon confirms Switchblade 600 made first Replicator tranche

“This is a critical step in delivering the capabilities we need, at the scale and speed we need, to continue securing a free and open Indo-Pacific” said Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Marines prioritize ‘complimentary’ mix of loitering munitions with new contract

Marines prioritize ‘complimentary’ mix of loitering munitions with new contract
Marines prioritize ‘complimentary’ mix of loitering munitions with new contract

Two of the vendors for the Organic Precision Fires-Light (OPF-L) System Development Contract are providing vertical take-off/launch (VTOL) solutions, while the third is going for a fixed-wing solution.

After ‘inflection point’ of Ukraine, Switchblade maker AeroVironment unveils upgrades, goes global

After ‘inflection point’ of Ukraine, Switchblade maker AeroVironment unveils upgrades, goes global
After ‘inflection point’ of Ukraine, Switchblade maker AeroVironment unveils upgrades, goes global

AeroVironment CEO Wahid Nawabi told Breaking Defense upgraded Switchblades will be headed to Ukraine, as company announces a VTOL kit for its ISR bird.

AeroVironment upgrades Switchblade 300 with extended endurance

AeroVironment upgrades Switchblade 300 with extended endurance
AeroVironment upgrades Switchblade 300 with extended endurance

The US has sent hundreds of Switchblades to Ukraine, highlighting their ease of use.

US Army picks 5 companies to compete for RQ-7B Shadow replacement

US Army picks 5 companies to compete for RQ-7B Shadow replacement
US Army picks 5 companies to compete for RQ-7B Shadow replacement

The service is breaking up the FTUAS Inc 2 program into five development stages.

Marking 1 year of Ukraine war, US pledges $2B in weapons, including new drone types

Marking 1 year of Ukraine war, US pledges $2B in weapons, including new drone types
Marking 1 year of Ukraine war, US pledges $2B in weapons, including new drone types

The announcement caps a year in which the Biden administration approved over $32 billion in armaments and aid for Ukraine

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A solution rises for Middle East nations that demand persistent ISR for border and maritime security

A solution rises for Middle East nations that demand persistent ISR for border and maritime security
A solution rises for Middle East nations that demand persistent ISR for border and maritime security

A VTOL system with no stick or rudder plus beyond line-of-sight ISR meets the demands of the UAE and its Middle East neighbors.

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Against near-peers, unmanned systems must maintain autonomy even when contested

Against near-peers, unmanned systems must maintain autonomy even when contested
Against near-peers, unmanned systems must maintain autonomy even when contested

Continued operation in RF environments — whether that’s GPS denial or communications disruption — is arguably the number-one requirement for overmatch against near peers.

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Better, smarter UAS have intelligence and resilience for denied operations

Better, smarter UAS have intelligence and resilience for denied operations
Better, smarter UAS have intelligence and resilience for denied operations

Continued operation in RF environments — whether that’s GPS denial or communications disruption — is the number one need for tactical unmanned aerial systems.

AeroVironment wins first increment of Army’s future tactical drone competition

AeroVironment wins first increment of Army’s future tactical drone competition
AeroVironment wins first increment of Army’s future tactical drone competition

The Army will ship AeroVironment’s JUMP 20 to a brigade to meet an immediate operational need to replace RQ-7 Shadow. The service is holding a separate competitive rapid prototyping effort for increment two.