Analysis & Reports

Airbus launched the U145 autonomous drone for cargo supply operations, showcasing a mock-up at the Berlin Air Show. The first flight is planned for the end of 2023, with service entry expected in 2030. The U145, based on the H145 helicopter, will support various military roles, including armed scouting and surveillance.

The U.S. Army has launched a new Mortars App to assist soldiers in accurately adjusting mortar fire using smartphones and tablets. The app received final approval in March 2023 and was rolled out in June 2023, replacing outdated systems. It has been tested by the 82nd Airborne Division, which adopted it with minimal training. The app is designed to be modular and user-friendly, compatible with various devices.

VITEC will showcase its latest video streaming technologies, including the compact PRISM SFF transcoder, at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris from June 15-19, 2026. The PRISM SFF is designed for military and defense applications, providing full transcoding capabilities in limited power and space environments. It supports both live IP stream and file-based transcoding, ensuring reliable video quality across various workflows.

A Lithuanian defense firm demonstrated a remote-control system that can convert existing military vehicles into unmanned ground platforms at the Rūdninkai Training Area during the Vanguard 2026 exercise last week. The Krampus hybrid vehicle, capable of operating without a driver, showcased the technology's potential to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs for the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

KONGSBERG signed a contract to deliver Joint Strike Missiles to the US Air Force, valued at NOK 2.7 billion. Deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of 2029. The JSM is a 5th generation stealth air-to-surface missile that can be carried internally in the F-35A.

AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE achieved a record profit of approximately $23 million in 2025, marking a 400% increase from the previous year. The company delivered 14 L-39 Skyfox aircraft, the highest annual total in the program's history, and is expanding its market into Africa and North America. AERO also signed a multi-year contract with the Czech Ministry of Defense for the overhaul of L-159 ALCA aircraft, enhancing its military support capabilities.

On June 8, a French aircraft shot down a foreign drone over Latgale, Latvia, marking the first such incident in the country's airspace. The drone was reportedly influenced by Russian electronic warfare. Prior to the incident, air alerts were issued in several eastern Latvian locations, which were later lifted.

Palladyne AI has been licensed by Israel Aerospace Industries to manufacture Harpy, Harop, and Mini-Harpy drones in Washington, targeting the US Army's Long Range Precision Munitions competition. The drones will be upgraded with autonomous swarming AI and are expected to compete for a prototype contract worth $100-$200 million by October 2026.

HENSOLDT unveiled its Battle Lab for multi-domain operations at ILA 2026 in Berlin on 08 June 2026. The facility integrates real and simulated sensors to showcase software-based defense capabilities. It aims to demonstrate the operational benefits of these systems and includes a multi-domain drone defense scenario using the MDOcore software suite.

A Ukrainian FP-1 drone struck the Protasovo airfield in Russia's Ryazan region in March 2026, targeting a research and production center for unmanned aircraft systems. This facility, established in August 2023, is crucial for Russia's drone manufacturing capabilities. The strike reflects Ukraine's ongoing campaign to disrupt Russian drone production and infrastructure.

A French Air and Space Force fighter jet intercepted and destroyed an unidentified drone over Latvia on Monday morning. This action was part of NATO's air defense capabilities, confirming the effectiveness of their operations in the region. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about drone incursions linked to Russian electronic warfare activities.

Semi Conductor Devices (SCD) announced an expansion of its advanced infrared detector portfolio on June 08, 2026, in Misgav, Israel. The new solutions are designed for guided weapons and loitering munitions, enhancing capabilities such as rapid target acquisition and integration into existing systems. Key products include the SWIFT EI SWIR module and Sparrow HD detectors, which improve operational effectiveness in challenging environments.

Palmer Luckey commended Ukraine's drone interceptor production, stating it has reached extraordinary levels with tens of thousands of units produced monthly. This production includes a variety of interceptor drones designed to counter low-cost attack drones effectively. The development reflects Ukraine's urgent need for cost-effective aerial defense solutions amid ongoing conflicts. U.S. officials have acknowledged the innovative tactics and technologies emerging from Ukraine's military efforts.

Explosions were reported in Tehran and other Iranian cities, likely triggered by the activation of Iran's air defense systems. This follows Israeli airstrikes on military targets in Iran, to which Iran responded with missile launches. The incidents occurred on August 8, indicating heightened military tensions in the region.

Airbus introduced the U145, an uncrewed version of the H145 helicopter, at the ILA Berlin airshow on 8 June 2026. The U145 is designed for multi-mission capabilities in civil and military applications, with a maiden flight scheduled for late 2026. It features advanced autonomy and a specialized sensor suite, aiming to enhance operational flexibility in various roles, including cargo supply and surveillance.

Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian air defense systems and missile infrastructure on June 8, 2026, targeting locations including Isfahan and Tehran. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the operation aimed to dismantle recently redeployed systems following Iranian missile fire on June 7. The strikes were part of Israel's ongoing campaign to maintain air superiority over Iranian territory.

Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles at Israeli air bases Nevatim and Tel Nof on June 8, 2026, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard executed the strikes as part of Operation Nasr, while Houthi rebels also participated by targeting central Israel. Israeli air defenses intercepted all incoming missiles, but debris caused damage in the West Bank. The incident follows a series of provocations and marks the 100th day of the Iran-Israel war.

KONGSBERG signed a contract to deliver Joint Strike Missiles to the US Air Force, valued at approximately NOK 2.7 billion. The deliveries are expected to be completed by the end of 2029. The JSM is a 5th generation stealth air-to-surface missile that can be carried internally in the F-35A, enhancing the aircraft's low-signature capabilities. The missile has also been selected by several other countries including Japan and Germany.

Intellian Technologies Inc. launched the Arctic White variant of the OW7MP Manpack terminal in Seoul on June 5, 2026. This military-grade communication terminal is engineered for extreme winter conditions, providing high-throughput connectivity for defense operations. It is designed to operate in contested environments and weighs under 9 kg, meeting rigorous military standards for durability and performance.

ASELSAN showcased its counter-UAV capabilities during a two-day demonstration in Turkey. The event featured the coordinated operation of systems including İHTAR, EJDERHA, and GÖKBERK, emphasizing a layered approach to detecting and neutralizing drone threats within the STEEL DOME architecture.