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https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4072069/deep-space-advanced-radar-capability-makes-tremendous-progress-in-first-year/
Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability makes tremendous progress in first year
Feb. 20, 2025
Just one year after signing a ground-breaking trilateral agreement, the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability partnership is completing facilities construction at the first of three sites that will host a global network of advanced ground-based sensors.
DARC is a partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, designed to create an all-weather, global system to track very small objects in geosynchronous orbit to protect critical U.S. and allied satellite services.
The trilateral Memorandum of Understanding was signed Sept. 27, 2023, will last 22 years, and is a practical example of what the partners can achieve when working together to enhance mutual defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Construction of the first site, in Western Australia, was completed in December 2024, three months ahead of schedule, with mission system integration and test activities now underway.
“The collaboration between all parties for the DARC project has been outstanding and is an example of what can be done when we work with our partners on a common goal for the advancement of Space Domain Awareness across our three nations,” said Michael Hunt, assistant secretary Space Systems Branch for the Australian Department of Defence, who also serves as the Australian representative on the DARC steering committee.
Allied partnerships in space are increasingly critical given emerging threats from adversaries and pacing challengers, noted Lt. Col. Nicholas Yeung, chief of Capabilities Development for Space Systems Command’s International Affairs office.
DARC is just one of several key partnership efforts facilitated by SSC’s IA office, and it’s particularly critical as it addresses innate challenges in GEO coverage.
At 22,236 miles above the Earth, an object in geosynchronous orbit takes 24 hours to orbit the planet. This keeps the satellite “parked” in the same spot, appearing stationary to ground sensors.
This makes GEO important “real estate” for several satellites, but because GEO is so far above the Earth, it’s more difficult to monitor space debris and/or adversarial actions that could potentially disrupt or deny space-based capabilities in that orbit.
Yet another challenge is that the U.S. can only cover a limited portion of the sky based on its geography, which is one of the reasons international partnerships are so important.
The DARC program demonstrates how allied partnerships can overcome both technical and geographic challenges while accelerating the delivery of advanced space technology in support of combined operations.
Commodore Dave Moody, head of Space Capability for U.K. Space Command, said, “DARC leverages the geography and commitment of key partner nations to deliver persistent, comprehensive space domain awareness.”
“One year on, the talent harnessed between the nations has begun to field a more capable technology that will protect and defend the international ways of life,” Moody said.
“Alongside the United States and Australia, the United Kingdom will continue to take deliberate steps that ensure DARC enables a collective ability to operate decisively in space.”
DARC is a unique collaboration between the three countries to get after first-of-its-kind capability that can do something that not only is needed from an operational perspective but has never been done before.
One of the main benefits of radar is that it operates 24 hours a day, in all weather and can make observations through clouds and during the daytime – something optical telescopes cannot do.
An ongoing challenge of radar versus telescope, however, is that the further out your radar goes, the larger the power required to transmit and the bigger the receiver arrays must be.
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DARC addresses this challenge by using multiple smaller arrays that combine the signals from space to act as one large array.
This ground-breaking concept was initially demonstrated by the USSF through its DARC technology demonstration at White Sands Missile Range in 2021.
“The completed DARC system will enhance our Space Domain Awareness enterprise architecture by adding a critical element,” said Brig. Gen. Chandler Atwood, deputy commander of Space Operations Command.
“DARC will ensure the U.S., its allies, and partners can effectively characterize the movement of objects traveling in, from and to space, allowing us to mitigate the risk of debris-causing events that could hold the world’s space-enabled capabilities at risk.
Increased Space Domain Awareness will also bolster our vital ability to attribute malign activity from irresponsible actors in the space domain when and if necessary.”
Construction of the first site in Exmouth in Western Australia began in October of 2023. The site infrastructure has been completed, including the radar power plant.
Spectrum licenses and airspace approvals for the Australian site also have been completed, as well as the first receiver and transmitter antennas.
The first open-air transmit of the first antenna was completed in September 2024 and the Australian site is expected to become fully operational in 2027.
The speed at which the DARC construction and commissioning has occurred could only have been achieved through an open and collaborative relationship between the three nations and Australian industry.
The construction site in Exmouth is remote and austere with difficult conditions for the workforce to operate in. Despite the challenges, the respective teams have adopted an attitude that focuses on delivery of capability at speed.
SSC recently awarded Northrop Grumman a contract for the second site currently proposed to be located at a U.K. Ministry of Defense site in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Environmental assessments and town planning processes are underway for this site which are required for the final siting approval.
A third site will be located in the Continental United States, at a to-be-determined location, pending the completion of environmental and air space studies. The entire DARC system is currently expected to be complete by 2032.
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Drones and AI take center stage in Navy-led Middle East exercise
February 21, 2025
MANAMA, Bahrain — A recent U.S.-led maritime exercise in the Middle East shifted its focus to building artificial intelligence and drone capabilities as the Navy and its partners work to address increasingly sophisticated threats in the region.
The emphasis represents a change at this year’s International Maritime Exercise, which normally focuses on mines and explosive ordnance disposal, among other training.
It also comes as the Navy and other nations in the region prioritize adaptation to technology used by Iran and its proxies in Lebanon, Yemen and other countries, service officials say.
For example, Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have launched swarm drone attacks against ships in the Red Sea in the past year.
The U.S. and its partner navies in the region also are defending against cyberattacks on their systems, Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet, said Thursday.
“Cyberattacks are a great example of where AI can make a real impact,” Wikoff said, adding that it has “great promise” as a cyber protection tool. AI also is becoming a bigger factor in stopping adversaries, Wikoff said.
Information picked up by Navy sensors in the sea regarding such activity as drug or weapons smuggling can be evaluated more efficiently using AI, which allows a better understanding of what is happening in regional waterways, he said.
“Our ability to get through that data and find what’s really important is always a challenge, and AI is helping accelerate that,” Wikoff said.
He noted that Task Force 59, a Bahrain-based unit focused on testing and deploying drones and using AI, has played an important role in leading Navy security efforts at sea.
Wikoff made the comments as the 12-day IMX25 ended Thursday. The exercise also included noncombatant evacuation, search and seizure, vessel defense, search and rescue, and mass casualty response, the Navy said.
It was linked to Cutlass Express, an exercise in eastern and southern Africa led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa. Together, there were about 30 countries and 5,000 personnel participating in the exercises, the Navy said.
The maritime portions took place in the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and northern Indian Ocean.
“If you look around the room today, you’ll see naval personnel from every continent on the Earth with the exception of Antarctica,” Wikoff said during the exercise’s closing ceremony.
This year’s IMX took place during a period of relative calm in the region.
That is chiefly due to the Houthi militants’ stoppage of their attacks on ships in the Red Sea because of a ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in Gaza last month.
Even so, there were about 50% fewer participants in the exercise than in previous years, Navy officials noted. In 2022, about 60 nations participated, they said. Wikoff attributed the drop to the fact that navies are stretched by multiple global obligations, adding that participant numbers aren’t the sole factor determining success. “It’s about the quality of the training and (whether) those that participate … get what they want out of it,” Wikoff said.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2025-02-21/international-maritime-exercise-bahrain-16796748.html
SpaceX Starlink Mission
February 21, 2025 10:19 a.m. ET
SpaceX is targeting Friday, February 21 for a Falcon 9 launch of 23 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Liftoff is targeted for 10:19 a.m. ET, with backup opportunities available until 10:25 a.m. ET.
If needed, additional launch opportunities are also available on Saturday, February 22 starting at 6:17 a.m. ET.
A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.
This is the 21st flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-26, OneWeb Launch 16, Intelsat IS-40e, O3b mPOWER, Ovzon 3, Eutelsat 36D, Turksat 6A, Maxar 2, SXM-9, and 11 Starlink missions.
Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean
https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-12-14
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilYBPUZCnjw
Hegseth addresses strengthening military by cutting excess, refocusing DOD budget
Feb. 21, 2025
During a recorded, on-camera address from the Pentagon today, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed his priorities of strengthening the military by cutting fiscal fraud, waste and abuse at DOD while also finding ways to refocus the department's budget.
Hegseth began his remarks stating the Defense Department owes the American people transparency related to steps DOD is taking to accomplish its mission while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.
"We shoot straight with you. We want you, the American people — the taxpayers — to understand why we're making the decisions that we're making here," Hegseth said, adding that DOD is working as quickly as possible to execute the priorities of achieving peace through strength by rebuilding the military, restoring the warrior ethos and reestablishing deterrence.
Prior to getting in-depth on issues related to the department's finances, Hegseth cautioned viewers to take anything they've heard and/or read on the topic with a "gigantic grain of salt."
"Ever since I've taken this position, the only thing I've cared about is doing right by our service members — Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Guardians," Hegseth said. "In short, we want the biggest, most badass military on the planet."
Hegseth then touched on three areas related to the Pentagon's finances.
First, Hegseth said to tackle excess spending and address the issue of fraud, waste and abuse within DOD, the department would be relying on the recently established Department of Government Efficiency.
"[DOGE is] here, and they're going to be incorporated into what we're doing at DOD to find fraud, waste and abuse in the largest discretionary budget in the federal government," Hegseth said.
He added that DOGE would be given access to systems — with proper safeguards and classifications — to first find redundancies and identify previous priorities not core to the department's current mission and then get rid of them.
"With DOGE, we are focusing as much as we can on headquarters and fat and top-line stuff that allows us to reinvest elsewhere," Hegseth said.
He then pivoted to the topic of reorienting the defense budget inherited from the previous administration.
Hegseth said beginning immediately, the Pentagon will pull 8% — or roughly $50 billion — from nonlethal programs in the current budget and refocus that money on President Donald J. Trump's "America First" priorities for national defense.
"That's not a cut; it's refocusing and reinvesting existing funds into building the force that protects you, the American people," Hegseth said.
He also said there are certain areas where funds will not be refocused — border protection, fighting transnational criminal organizations, nuclear modernization, submarine programs, missile defense, drone technology, cybersecurity, core readiness and training and the defense industrial base among them.
The secretary then turned to his third topic: the reevaluation of the Defense Department's probationary workforce.
Hegseth pushed back on recent reports that DOD would do across-the-board cuts of all probationary employees.
He said leaders are reevaluating probationary employees "carefully and smartly," and future manning decisions would be based, in part, on quality of performance.
"We're starting [cuts] with the poor performers among our probationary employees because it's common sense that you want the best and brightest," Hegseth said.
"So, when you look at headcount, we're going to be thoughtful; but we're also going to be aggressive up and down the chain to find the places where we can ensure the best and brightest are promoted based on merit," he continued.
Hegseth added DOD will implement a hiring freeze to take time to identify better hiring practices as they relate to finding the most "hard charging" employees that are central to the department's core warfighting mission.
The secretary finished his remarks by returning to the topic of transparency and the value he sees in communicating directly to the people.
"Our warfighters and taxpayers deserve no less, and we'll keep reporting back to you from time to time on what we're seeing," Hegseth said.
"We appreciate your support as we move out … on making our military once again into the most lethal, badass force on the planet to keep our country safe."
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4073073/hegseth-addresses-strengthening-military-by-cutting-excess-refocusing-dod-budget/
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NATO conducts naval drone demo in Baltic
February 21, 2025
NATO’s Standing Naval Forces have conducted a major demonstration of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in the Baltic Sea, with exercises taking place near Denmark from 17 to 20 February, according to a press release.
The event, involving Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) led by HNLMS Tromp, was designed to integrate unmanned technology into ongoing NATO operations and serves as a lead-up to the Dynamic Messenger series exercise scheduled for September.
Ships from the Royal Danish Navy and the German Navy joined SNMG1 for tactical manoeuvres, live-fire drills, and counter-UXV (uncrewed systems) training.
Organisers also tested the interoperability of USVs with manned naval assets, advancing NATO’s drive to “trial and integrate unmanned systems into the networked operational environment,” as Vice Admiral Mike Utley, Commander of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), stated in the press release.
“Operational output is the requirement. These trials enable learning and insights to deliver greater speed and scale of integration, further building the military advantage of the Alliance.”
The demonstration was organised collaboratively by NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT) and MARCOM, part of broader efforts to exploit “emerging and disruptive technologies, including autonomous systems and artificial intelligence,” says NATO.
Task Force X, an ACT initiative drawing on lessons from the US Navy’s Task Forces 59 and 66, fielded the unmanned vessels.
“Task Force X is intended to be employed alongside Enhanced Vigilance Activities in support of ACO, to further reassure Allies and deter acts of vandalism against critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea,” remarked Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation.
“This collaborative effort will fill gaps in surveillance, particularly in areas not covered by existing systems … and improve our ability to detect vessels that may be operating without identification.”
Outcomes from the demonstration will inform NATO’s operational integration of USVs in the Baltic Sea and across the Euro-Atlantic region.
In parallel, the Alliance is preparing for the Dynamic Messenger series exercise in September, which will involve additional trials to refine and expand the use of unmanned systems throughout NATO’s maritime forces.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/task-force-x-to-operate-drone-fleet-in-baltic/
Drone Strike Disrupts Critical Safety Systems at Grand Canyon Uranium Mine
February 18, 2025
A Drone Collision with mine shaft safety equipment forced a security Review at the Pinyon Plain uranium mine near the Grand Canyon, Energy Fuels officials reported.
The incident occurred as the facility was resuming uranium ore shipments following a recent transportation agreement with the Navajo Nation, reports KNAU.
The drone struck critical safety wires used for personnel transport at the 1,400-foot-deep mine shaft, according to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.
The collision damaged infrastructure essential for moving workers and equipment in and out of the underground facility, which operates on a 15-acre plot within the Kaibab National Forest less than 10 miles from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
“This was extremely dangerous behavior, and we will not tolerate the reckless actions of individuals that jeopardize the lives and wellbeing of our employees or the public,” said Curtis Moore, Energy Fuels’ senior vice president of marketing and corporate development, in a statement following the incident.
The suspect, identified as Bobby Mason of Lukachukai, allegedly operated the drone at dangerously low altitudes over the mine site before crashing into the safety system.
After the collision, Mason fled in a silver Ford F-150, leading to a series of incidents including two hit-and-runs – one on Highway 64 approaching Grand Canyon National Park and another within park boundaries.
National Park Service rangers later located the wrecked vehicle near the Desert View Entrance.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has charged Mason with multiple offenses, including unlawful operation of unmanned aircraft, aggravated DUI, criminal damage, hit-and-run, reckless driving, and harassment.
Mason, who social media posts indicate has shared content opposing the mine’s operations, is being held without bail.
The incident occurred on the same day Energy Fuels resumed trucking uranium ore from the site to its processing mill in southern Utah.
This resumption followed negotiations with Navajo Nation officials, who had previously challenged the transport of radioactive materials across tribal lands.
The Pinyon Plain Mine, previously known as the Canyon Mine, continues operations under permits issued in the 1980s, despite its location within the recently designated Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni—Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument.
Energy Fuels maintains that the facility meets all safety and environmental requirements, citing supportive studies from the U.S. Forest Service and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
The Drone Incident has highlighted questions about infrastructure security at uranium mining operations, particularly those near sensitive areas like National Parks and tribal lands.
Energy Fuels has not released details about potential operational delays caused by the damage to the mine’s personnel transport system.
https://dronexl.co/2025/02/18/drone-strike-grand-canyon-mine/
Exclusive: North Korea testing larger new recon drone, pushing deployment plan
February 21, 2025
North Korea appears to be testing a larger version of its Global Hawk copycat reconnaissance drone, according to NK Pro analysis of satellite imagery, while accelerating deployment preparations with new drone hangar construction.
NK Pro is first to report on the apparent new and improved drone model, appearing outside old hangars at Panghyon Airbase in a Planet Labs high-resolution SkySat image taken on Jan. 22.
The aircraft appears similar in design to the Saetbyol-4 reconnaissance drone North Korea unveiled in 2023, but with a wingspan measuring around 40 meters (131 feet) — up to 5 meters longer than the Saetbyol-4.
In addition to the previously known aircraft mimicking the U.S.’s RQ-4A Global Hawk in design and now even in color scheme, the increase in size from around 35 to 40 meters also mirrors Washington’s transition to the upgraded RQ-4B with a 39.8-meter wingspan.
This upgrade improved the unmanned aerial vehicle’s (UAV) payload capacity while decreasing its range 800 nautical miles, from 9,500 to 8,700 — meaning North Korea’s upgrade could also have similar implications.
In another sign of efforts to speed up the timeline on deploying these aircraft, Planet Labs imagery shows that work to install roofing on seven new hangars at Panghyon Airbase began between Feb. 14 and 17, located near where the new drone was spotted.
One hangar was covered in red roofing by that time, and work started on a second between Feb. 19 and 20.
Roof supports on the structures were installed on all seven hangars as of the Jan. 22 high-resolution image.
The hangar project launched last June but stalled after the basic framework of the structures was erected in August.
If utilizing vertical lifting doors, each hangar will likely be able to accommodate wingspans slightly over 40 meters, which would include both older and newer versions of the Saetbyol-4, as well as the Saetbyol-9 combat drone with its 20-meter wingspan (65-foot).
The U.S. has similar-sized hangars for its Global Hawk drones.
The North’s smaller combat drone was first spotted in commercial satellite imagery outside the older hangars at Panghyon in Sept. 2022, while NK Pro was first to report on apparent flight testing of both UAV types at the airbase in June 2023.
Pyongyang officially unveiled both models at a military expo and parade a month later, but state media has been short on details ever since.
When DPRK Leader Kim Jong Un first announced combat and reconnaissance drone development plans at the Jan. 2021 party congress, he said designs were “completed” and “important research” was still being planned.
He didn’t specifically mention a deadline or target timeframe for deployment, but generally presented all weapons goals in the speech in the framework of a five-year plan through the end of 2025.
His direction to produce spy drones “capable of precisely reconnoitering up to 500 km deep into the front” suggests that once deployed, regular Saetbyol-4 operations could involve flights along the inter-Korean border but over DPRK territory.
Pyongyang frequently criticizes U.S. and South Korean reconnaissance flights from international airspace off North Korea’s east and west coasts, but could test Washington and Seoul with similar flights south of the maritime boundary.
However, North Korea has yet to thoroughly demonstrate the capabilities of both new drone models, only showing brief clips of them in flight and not claiming further testing beyond those apparently related to practicing military parade flyovers.
State media has instead focused attention in the last year on plans to mass produce a wide range of small suicide drones, with Kim Jong Un publicly attending two tests last year, one at Panghyon Airbase and another at Pyongyang International Airport.
Meanwhile, construction appears stalled on new production facilities at a nearby factory which could be involved in current suicide drone or larger drone manufacturing.
https://www.nknews.org/pro/exclusive-north-korea-testing-larger-new-recon-drone-pushing-deployment-plan/
Drone gets attacked by eagle while filming in Cyprus
21 FEBRUARY 2025 - 13:11
A surprising twist to a photographer’s peaceful landscape shoot in Cyprus turned into an unforgettable moment of nature’s raw power.
Rafaelos Markitanis, a photographer and filmmaker, was flying his drone to capture the breathtaking views of a sluice gate when an unexpected visitor appeared — a Bonelli’s eagle. In a stunning moment caught on camera, the mighty raptor swooped in and attacked the drone mid-air, seemingly out of nowhere.
The encounter, which Markitanis shared on social media, was both shocking and thrilling. “As I was filming the beautiful landscape, my drone was suddenly struck by a Bonelli’s eagle.
The impact was dramatic, but fortunately, neither the bird nor the drone were harmed,” Markitanis wrote in his post.
While the eagle’s aggressive behavior might be surprising to some, Markitanis made it clear that he holds no ill will toward the majestic bird.
“The birds I know feed on smaller animals like birds and reptiles,” he added. “Above all, we love nature and the creatures that live in it.”
The post quickly caught the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and drone fans alike, with many commenting on the rare and extraordinary nature of the incident.
Though attacks on drones by birds of prey are not entirely unheard of, this close encounter was unique in its documentation.
Eagle attacks on drones have been reported before, especially in areas where large birds of prey, like the Bonelli’s eagle, patrol their territory.
These birds are known for their hunting instincts, and anything in the sky — especially something that resembles a potential threat — could trigger a defensive strike.
Markitanis, however, was lucky this time. Both he and the bird escaped the interaction unscathed, but the moment stands as a reminder of how unpredictable and raw nature can be.
As for the drone, despite the impact, it continued its flight after the encounter, capturing the incredible footage that was originally intended.
https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/news/drone-gets-attacked-by-eagle-while-filming-in-cyprus
https://www.instagram.com/rafaellos_marki/reel/DGSv41_N_dq/
British naval drone goes drug hunting
February 21, 2025
The Royal Navy has introduced its new helicopter drone, known as Peregrine, into active operations against suspected drug smuggling in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman, according to a press release.
The uncrewed aircraft is being deployed from the frigate HMS Lancaster, which is on a long-term maritime security mission in the region.
The drone’s flights—conducted by day and night—are designed to bolster the ship’s overall surveillance reach, feeding live radar data and imagery back to Lancaster’s operations room.
“Being part of the team that used Peregrine in our counter-narcotics operations was a fascinating experience,” said Warfare Specialist Able Seaman Bradley Morris, as quoted in the press release.
Measuring just three metres in length and capable of sorties lasting up to five hours, the remotely piloted Peregrine is a Royal Navy-specific version of the Schiebel S-100.
Fitted with UK military radar and infra-red/electro-optical cameras, it can fly at speeds of up to 125mph, helping track suspicious vessels across vast stretches of ocean.
Crucially, the drone can operate alongside HMS Lancaster’s crewed Wildcat helicopter, ensuring the manned aircraft can be used for interdictions or other strike missions while Peregrine focuses on surveillance.
Praising Peregrine’s operational debut, Commander Sam Stephens, Lancaster’s Commanding Officer, described it as “a key milestone in the evolution of the Royal Navy’s uncrewed capability.”
He added, “This is just the start, as we continue to unlock the game changing capability with every flight, gaining the advantage over smugglers and adversaries alike.”
Lieutenant Commander Rob Guest, who oversees both Peregrine and the Wildcat aboard Lancaster, highlighted “the development and integration of uncrewed air systems” as a “crucial catalyst” for enhancing the frigate’s effectiveness.
In addition to Peregrine’s introduction, HMS Lancaster has recently received a new counter-drone system, considered vital given threats from rebel groups in regional waters.
The Royal Navy also add int he update that the frigate also completed maintenance in Bahrain, upgrading weaponry and sensors, and replacing a diesel generator.
These enhancements are designed to keep the 30-year-old Type 23 frigate operationally effective amid ongoing maritime security challenges.
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-naval-drone-goes-drug-hunting/
Ukraine launching faster drone supply model for military
February 21, 2025 9:51 AM
Ukraine's Defense Procurement Agency is launching a new supply model for delivering drones to the front line within weeks rather than months, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Feb. 20.
Kyiv has ramped up domestic drone production over the past year. Various aerial, naval, and ground drones have been developed and often successfully used for reconnaissance, combat, and other tasks throughout the full-scale with Russia.
According to the new model, military units will be able to choose the unmanned systems best suited to their needs.
The system also aims to support manufacturers through advance orders, allowing them to plan for scaling up their production.
The model aims to boost transparency in procurement as it establishes clear supply mechanisms and stimulates competition.
The structure is based on the DOT-Chain, an IT system already used by the State Rear Operator (DOT), an agency dealing with non-lethal procurement for the military.
DOT-Chain is designed to streamline and digitize procurement processes while reducing delivery time.
"Together with manufacturers, we are working to ensure that no soldier waits for weeks or months for what they need," Umerov said after a meeting with representatives of 200 drone manufacturers.
https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-launching-faster-drone-supply-model-for-military/
WPD creates drone operations dashboard
February 21, 2025
The Wichita Police Department has developed an online dashboard that will allow the public to have a real-time look at the operation of police drones throughout the city.
The Drone Transparency Dashboard is now live for public access, and it will allow residents to see where drones are being deployed, view flight data, and learn how this technology is helping reduce crime and improve emergency response times.
Police Captain Aaron Moses said the dashboard will allow the public to access up-to-date information on active and past drone operations, and there will be deployment mapping to show where drones have been sent to support law enforcement activities.
https://www.kfdi.com/2025/02/21/wpd-creates-drone-operations-dashboard/
https://cloud.skydio.com/dashboard/wichita
US first drone killer suit that zaps UAVs 4-mile away with Terminator-like gun revealed
Updated: Feb 19, 2025 07:06 PM EST
California-based DZYNE Technologies has introduced a new counter-drone solution, the Dronebuster Detect, Track, Identify, Mitigate (DTIM) Kit, during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) held in the UAE.
This compact and portable system addresses the growing need for effective counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) in modern military operations.
With conflicts increasingly highlighting the importance of drone detection and mitigation, the U.S. Army has recognized the necessity for a soldier-level system that enhances situational awareness and offers reliable protection against hostile drones.
Drone killer suit
The Dronebuster DTIM is the first American-made electronic attack system with an optional Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capability, essential for countering GNSS-enabled drones.
Designed for tactical flexibility, the DTIM Kit weighs less than 8.8 pounds (4 kgs) and allows service members to move swiftly in the field while effectively addressing drone threats.
It comprises two main components: a Dronebuster mitigation system and a Dronebuster DTI system, providing an integrated drone detection and neutralization approach.
The mitigation system comes in two versions: the Dronebuster 4 and the Dronebuster 4-EU, the latter tailored to meet the specific needs of the European short-range device band.
Both variants include a PNT attack capability, providing soldiers with advanced tools to combat autonomous drone threats.
The DTI system enhances situational awareness by offering comprehensive detection, tracking, and identification capabilities.
It features a user-friendly interface, built-in GPS, and compatibility with external accessories such as headsets. This ensures that soldiers can operate effectively in the field without being hindered by complex technology.
One of the standout features of the Dronebuster DTIM Kit is its detection capability. The system’s antenna can identify drones from up to 4.3 miles (7 km) across a wide frequency range, from 400 MHz to 6 GHz.
Its omnidirectional antennas allow for greater mobility, providing real-time feedback through haptic, audio, and visual indicators. This design ensures that soldiers remain agile while actively monitoring drone activity.
Zapping UAVs
Regarding tracking, the DTI system excels at pinpointing the locations of drones, utilizing Remote ID and AeroScope technologies.
It uses radio frequency (RF) direction-finding to provide accurate location data without needing a full 360-degree rotation.
This information is displayed clearly on a Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) device or a built-in LCD, allowing soldiers to make informed decisions quickly in rapidly changing combat situations.
Identification is another critical feature of the DTIM Kit. The system maintains a regularly updated drone library and employs AI/ML algorithms to facilitate intuitive identification, enabling soldiers to stay focused on their mission without unnecessary distractions.
The Dronebuster system has a proven track record for threat mitigation, with over 2,000 units sold globally. It is unique in offering a handheld PNT attack mode, capable of spoofing signals from autonomous drones.
The Dronebuster DTIM Kit provides soldiers with a comprehensive solution to detect, track, and neutralize drone threats effectively.
As military operations continue to evolve, this tool aims to empower operators amidst the growing presence of drones on the battlefield.
https://interestingengineering.com/military/us-first-drone-killer-suit