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Latest articles and analysis on counter-UAS technology and drone warfare
Zelensky: Europe Needs Anti-Ballistic Shield After 73 Missiles, 656 Drones Strike
Russia launched a massive overnight strike on Ukraine utilizing 656 drones and 73 missiles, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. President Zelenskyy is urgently calling for a European anti-ballistic missile defense system and continued US Patriot missile support to counter this evolving threat. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 642 of the 729 launched assets, highlighting both capabilities and vulnerabilities.
Putin's Crimea Problem - by Lawrence Freedman
Ukraine is employing the 'Hornet' drone, manufactured by Perennial Autonomy (founded by Eric Schmidt), to conduct a 'logistics lockdown' against Russian forces, particularly targeting supply lines to Crimea. The Hornet's capabilities—long range, resistance to jamming via Starlink integration, and visual navigation—fill a critical gap in Ukraine's medium-range drone capabilities. This new strategy aims to disrupt Russian offensive capabilities by attacking rear-area logistics and supply depots.
Operation Spiderweb: One Year Later - by Olena Kryzhanivska
Operation Spiderweb, conducted by Ukraine's SBU in June 2025, inflicted significant damage on Russia's long-range aviation, reportedly destroying or damaging a substantial portion of their Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3, A-50, and Il-78 aircraft. The operation utilized FPV drones, specifically the First Contact 'Osa' model with AI-assisted targeting, delivered via truck-mounted launches, demonstrating a novel asymmetric warfare tactic.
Tycho.AI Brings Ukraine-Style Low-Cost Drone Interceptors to US Market with Halley VTOL | TheDefenseWatch.com
Tycho.AI, an MIT spin-off, is offering the Halley, a low-cost VTOL interceptor drone, to the US Department of Defense as a counter-UAS solution inspired by successful Ukrainian tactics. The Halley is designed to engage inexpensive, one-way attack drones like the Shahed, offering a more economical alternative to missile-based defenses. It utilizes AI-enabled autonomy for operation in GPS-denied environments and achieves speeds of 174 knots.
Ukraine's Winged FPV Drones Just Hit A Russian Van 102 Kilometers Behind The Line
Ukrainian forces have significantly increased the range of their First-Person View (FPV) drones to over 100km through the addition of detachable wings, enabling strikes deep within Russian-controlled territory. This innovation utilizes existing FPV drone production capabilities with a minimal cost increase (~$640/unit). The Phoenix Unmanned Systems Regiment and Serhii Sternenko have been key figures in this development and deployment.
11 Killed, Over 100 Wounded in Massive Overnight Russian Missile and Drone Barrage Across Ukraine
Russia launched a large-scale combined missile and drone attack across Ukraine, resulting in significant civilian casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure in Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and surrounding regions. The attack utilized Kalibr cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea and included ballistic missiles, triggering nationwide air raid alerts. Ukraine continues to prioritize bolstering its air defense capabilities and seeking additional interceptors from Western allies.
Start-up Tycho.AI looks to bring Ukraine-style drone interceptors to US market - FlightGlobal
Tycho.AI is developing the Halley drone interceptor, a low-cost, high-agility counter-UAS system inspired by successful Ukrainian designs. The system aims to provide a more affordable alternative to existing American interceptors like Raytheon's Coyote and Anduril's Roadrunner, which are significantly more expensive. The company is actively pitching the Halley to the Pentagon, leveraging the lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
DroneShield announces $24.9 million contract with US Joint Interagency Task Force 401
DroneShield has been awarded a $24.9 million contract by US JIATF-401 to supply C-UAS systems and services. The contract includes both mobile and fixed-site systems, with deliveries scheduled for 2026-2027, and requires integration of third-party solutions. Initial revenue of $19.3 million is expected, with a further $5.6 million available through options.
Russia Strikes Kyiv in Overnight Missile and Drone Attack, People Feared Trapped Under Rubble
Russia launched a combined missile and drone attack targeting Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities overnight, causing damage to residential areas, infrastructure, and resulting in casualties. Ukrainian air defenses were active, responding to cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones. President Zelenskyy reiterated the urgent need for strengthened air defenses and more interceptors.
Sector Snapshot: Defense Startup Funding Hits An All-Time Record As VCs Begin To Eye Exits
Venture capital funding for defense technology startups has reached a record $14.6 billion in the first five months of 2026, surpassing the previous annual record of $9.6 billion set in 2025. This surge is driven by large investments in companies developing AI-powered systems, autonomous vehicles (air, land, and sea), and space technologies. Anduril Industries and Mach Industries are key recipients of this funding.