Germany faces internal divisions within its defense ministry over acquiring uncrewed combat aircraft, threatening its 2029 goal. Officials are split between purchasing Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat drones as an interim solution or holding a competition for European alternatives, potentially delaying NATO's 2035 capability requirement.
Defense giants Boeing, General Atomics, Anduril, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Airbus are accelerating the development of AI-powered combat drones for the US Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, aiming for widespread deployment by the mid-2030s.
German AI combat drones from Helsing are being supplied to Ukraine, but reports of technical issues and low hit rates contrast with the manufacturer's claims of encouraging results. Soldiers report challenges with launch and navigation, though successful strikes have occurred.
Russia's United Aircraft Company (UAC) is nearing the final trials of heavy combat drones, with CEO Vadim Badekha stating they are on par with competitors. The UAC is also developing the next-stage engine for the Su-57 fighter jet.
The United Aircraft Company (UAC) is nearing the final testing phase for several heavy combat drone projects, according to CEO Vadim Badekha. UAC focuses on heavy drones, integrating modern armament systems with unmanned aerial systems for network-centered operations.
Cuba's UN envoy Ernesto Soberon Guzman has called allegations of Cuba posing a threat to US national security "untrue," specifically refuting a report that Havana purchased over 300 combat drones for potential use against US facilities.
Middle Eastern countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar are rapidly acquiring laser weapons due to technological maturity, the proliferation of drones, and the Iran war, seeking cost-effective drone countermeasures.
The approval clears a final set of hurdles for Japan's postwar arms sales and facilitate its future sale of weapons such as a next-generation fighter jet and combat drones.
