![As a plug-and-play solution, CMFF is agile by nature and Leonardo DRS is future-proofing the systems for emerging or new capability requirements. (Leonardo DRS photo)](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/As-a-plug-and-play-solution-CMFF-is-agile-by-nature-and-Leonardo-DRS-is-future-proofing-the-systems-for-emerging-or-new-capability-requirements.-Leonardo-DRS-photo-350x233.jpeg)
![With AI and computer vision, almost any platform can be autonomous](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/ARK_PressReleaseImage_01-225x150.jpg)
The use of computer vision and perceptive autonomy can have a profound impact on speeding the Observe, Orient, Decide and Act (OODA) loop.
By Breaking Defense![Beyond Blackjack: DARPA planning new X-plane to give ship COs local ISR assets](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/3943748-scaled-e1717683974449-225x150.jpg)
The program manager told Breaking Defense all six companies remaining in the program are narrowing in on a similar design incorporating folding wings.
By Justin Katz![First Replicator systems delivered to users, Hicks says](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2023/08/230828_DVIDS_hicks_briefing_6850347-scaled-e1710195418965-225x150.jpg)
“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.
By Aaron Mehta![Following Replicator win, AeroVironment sees strong demand for Switchblade, loitering munitions](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/switchblade-@-sof-scaled-e1715283702886-225x150.jpg)
“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.
By Michael Marrow![Pentagon confirms Switchblade 600 made first Replicator tranche](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/230405_SAS_underwater_drone_Mehta_crop-225x150.png)
“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.
By Ashley Roque![Marines prioritize ‘complimentary’ mix of loitering munitions with new contract](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/7652380-scaled-e1714401161568-225x150.jpg)
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.
By Andrew White![After ‘inflection point’ of Ukraine, Switchblade maker AeroVironment unveils upgrades, goes global](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2023/04/230405_SAS_underwater_drone_Mehta_crop-225x150.png)
AeroVironment CEO Wahid Nawabi told Breaking Defense upgraded Switchblades will be headed to Ukraine, as company announces a VTOL kit for its ISR bird.
By Lee Ferran![AeroVironment upgrades Switchblade 300 with extended endurance](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2022/03/switchblade-scaled-225x150.jpg)
The US has sent hundreds of Switchblades to Ukraine, highlighting their ease of use.
By Aaron Mehta![US Army picks 5 companies to compete for RQ-7B Shadow replacement](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2022/09/TextronSystems_Shadow_FortCampbell-1058-scaled-e1663608676716-225x150.jpg)
The service is breaking up the FTUAS Inc 2 program into five development stages.
By Ashley Roque![Marking 1 year of Ukraine war, US pledges $2B in weapons, including new drone types](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2020/09/UH-60-launches-Area-I-ALTIUS-mini-drone-e1649271214347-225x150.jpg)
The announcement caps a year in which the Biden administration approved over $32 billion in armaments and aid for Ukraine
By Aaron Mehta![A solution rises for Middle East nations that demand persistent ISR for border and maritime security](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2023/02/AeroVironments-JUMP-20-has-the-capability-of-a-Group-3-platform-with-a-footprint-and-cost-to-operate-more-akin-to-Group-2-UAS.-225x150.jpg)
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.
By Breaking Defense![Against near-peers, unmanned systems must maintain autonomy even when contested](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/AeroVironment-spotlight-featured-image-unmanned-white-225x150.png)
Continued operation in RF environments — whether that’s GPS denial or communications disruption — is arguably the number-one requirement for overmatch against near peers.
By Breaking Defense![AeroVironment wins first increment of Army’s future tactical drone competition](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/3/2022/08/6537194-sm-e1660921246313-225x150.jpg)
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.
By Andrew Eversden