CORVUS contract signed
TEKEVER announced signature of the British Army AR5 contract, worth up to £400 million. The announcement should be distinguished from completed deliveries.
Source announcementDEFENCE DRONES / THE LIBRARY
Follow programme milestones.
A growing record of sourced announcements, orders, deliveries and service milestones. Each item states what its source establishes.
Coverage currently follows selected profiles and is not a complete global programme register. Dates refer to documented events or announcements. Learn how to read procurement announcements
Armed configuration reported in trials
Ratel reports a separate armed integration under test; baseline logistics service does not establish acceptance of that integration.
Source announcementUK Ministry of Defence announces AR5 award
Initial six aircraft announced, with a possible total of 24 by 2029. The maximum fleet size is a procurement plan, not a delivered count.
Source announcementGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Air Force announces Vengeance name
The service named FQ-42 Vengeance and FQ-44 Fury in its collaborative combat aircraft announcement.
Source announcementFirst production lot awarded
Three Lot 1 aircraft contracted; delivery and operational acceptance are separate milestones.
Source announcementUS Marine Corps order announced
Twelve SP vehicles and five amphibious kits ordered for continued evaluation and development.
Source announcementSales agreement announced
HAVELSAN reported a commercial agreement and described deliveries as forthcoming.
Source announcementFleet integration update
Leidos reported Sea Hunter's RIMPAC activity and Seahawk operating with a carrier strike group.
Source announcementManufacturer unveiling
WB Group identified the WARMATE 30 aircraft and reported a Polish GLADIUS 2 order.
Source announcementFlowcopter acquisition announced
TEKEVER announced acquisition of the Edinburgh propulsion-technology company; this is a corporate milestone, not evidence of an operational AR3 or AR5 retrofit.
Source announcementGoliath-RU exhibition announced
Rostec names the reconnaissance copter in Kalashnikov's EEF display.
Source announcementKarakurt-R exhibition announced
The suffix version is named in the Eastern Economic Forum display.
Source announcementProvisional German certification
Rheinmetall announced clearance for independent training and testing; full type certification remained in progress.
Source announcementMarine Corps unit use documented
Released imagery identifies Bolt-M with BLT 1/8 at Camp Lejeune.
Source announcementProduction contract
ATLA contracted Terra Drone following comparative evaluation; delivery completion was not established.
Source announcementMV11 unveiled
UFORCE presented the larger platform at Ukraine's Independence Day display.
Source announcementNaval payload demonstration announced
Saildrone reported Surveyor participation in RIMPAC weapons and electronic-sensing trials.
Source announcementTB-001 / Twin-tailed Scorpion family
Recent official observation published
Japan publishes identification and photographs of a TB-001; this is use evidence, not a procurement announcement.
Source announcementCodification announced
MoD says the T40 completed tests supporting its stated characteristics.
Source announcementUK MV7 launch announced
UFORCE reported a UK-developed MV7 launch as part of a research and testing programme.
Source announcementS2 test update published
Manufacturer described July 2026 integration tests; not operational acceptance.
Source announcementLiutyi reusable derivative — reported
Reusable derivative reported
News account describes an exhibition proposal; no operational acceptance established.
Source announcementCodification publicly announced
The ministry also reports earlier use of family variants; this is not their common service-entry date.
Source announcementFrench Senate distinguishes redirected requirements from withdrawal
Revised French planning removed earlier delivery targets; France had not formally withdrawn at the report date.
Source announcementFrench procurement abandonment recorded
Senate report describes the minister's decision to abandon Patroller and redirect tactical-drone acquisition.
Source announcementExport-priority designation announced
The Defence Industry Minister named Ghost Shark a priority under the Australian Defence Strategic Sales Office.
Source announcementAuthorisation announced
Ukraine MoD reports codification for Defence Forces use; delivery is not established.
Source announcementGerman co-production order announced
Quantum Systems and Tencore announce a joint venture and an initial 2,000-platform order.
Source announcementGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems
FQ-42A production contract announced
GA-ASI announced receipt of a U.S. Air Force production contract. This is a contract milestone, not confirmation of fleet delivery.
Source announcementNew mission integrations displayed
Milrem announces additional counter-drone and sensor integrations at Eurosatory.
Source announcementRAF reports European civilian-airspace transit
Publication date of the report on Protector's completed Waddington-to-Akrotiri flight; the exact flight date is not stated.
Source announcementProduction and delivery account published
MoD describes military supply since autumn 2025; exact first-delivery date remains unspecified.
Source announcementEFES exercise account published
HAVELSAN describes BARKAN-2 casualty-evacuation participation while identifying BARKAN-3 as continued development.
Source announcementGerman sale announced
C2 Robotics and Eurobotics announced a German sale and European partnership.
Source announcementGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems
MQ-9B flies with early-warning pods
GA-ASI reported a validation flight with Saab-related AEW pods; its announcement described further development and demonstration work.
Source announcementExtended autonomous mission reported
MARTAC reported a 192-hour mission by a Navy-owned T38.
Source announcementLASSO prototype award announced
Supplier reported an agreement for development, delivery and testing; not operational acceptance.
Source announcementBARKAN 3 introduction announced
Company announces a new configuration for SAHA EXPO; it is not equated with the older accepted platform.
Source announcementUS commissioning reported
C2 Robotics announced the first Speartooth export commissioning for the United States.
Source announcement8,000-interceptor procurement announced
The ministry announcement records procurement, not completed delivery.
Source announcementDIU procurement announced
Textron announced a multiple-vessel award for Fourth Fleet and SOUTHCOM activity.
Source announcementLong-range demonstration reported
Cellula reported 2,023 km and 385 hours submerged on hydrogen fuel-cell power.
Source announcementDesign unveiled
Saildrone announced Spectre; first sea trials were planned for early 2027.
Source announcementFurther UK support package
Windracers announced selection as a primary supplier supporting Ukraine.
Source announcementNavy unit assignment announced
Australian Defence named MASU and listed Ghost Shark among the capabilities the unit would operate.
Source announcementPreviously used vehicle enters museum collection
The museum records the donated vehicle's earlier Ukrainian military logistics service.
Source announcementFirst production aircraft rolled out
Korean Air announced roll-out; testing and acceptance remained ahead of planned early-2027 delivery.
Source announcementMMCM surface vessels: Ariadne, Adventure and Apollo
Royal Navy confirms Adventure handover
The operator described Ariadne as in service and Adventure as delivered.
Source announcementCodification and use profile published
MoD described authorised operational use and initial deployments.
Source announcementNamed roles and developer reported
Government video identifies the developer and describes three mission roles; no acceptance quantity is disclosed.
Source announcementSwedish follow-on order
Additional vehicles and modules ordered following the initial 2025 delivery.
Source announcementMMCM surface vessels: Ariadne, Adventure and Apollo
Second UK system delivery announced
OCCAR confirmed the second UK MMCM primary system.
Source announcementSubmarine capability contract announced
L3Harris announced DIU selection of its Iver4 900-based launch-and-recovery capability.
Source announcementFurther Army order announced
Skydio reported an Army order above $52 million for more than 2,500 X10D aircraft, placed through ADS; total delivery completion was not established.
Source announcementSkydio announces further US Army order
Manufacturer reports more than 2,500 X10D aircraft in an order exceeding $52 million; order and completed delivery remain distinct.
Source announcementForty additional vessels ordered
Australia announced an investment to increase the intended fleet to 55 Bluebottles.
Source announcementFirst toolbox delivery reported
Exail reported the first Belgian–Dutch MCM toolbox delivery including two Inspector 125 USVs; some other equipment remained scheduled.
Source announcementGerman Navy handover
IAI and TKMS documented delivery at Eckernförde naval base; the release was published the following day.
Source announcementOfficial exercise report
Australian Defence reported OWL-B use in AUKUS Maritime Big Play.
Source announcementNATO exercise demonstration
Baykar reported TB3 activity from TCG Anadolu; supplier account published 15 February.
Source announcementNorth Atlantic demonstration reported
Teledyne reported Sentinel participation in an autonomous acoustic-system demonstration to NATO members.
Source announcementSwedish delivery announced
Teledyne reported the first four Gavia systems delivered to FMV.
Source announcementNorth Atlantic demonstration concluded
A Teledyne demonstration held 17–22 January included a Slocum G3 with acoustic communications, separately from a Sentinel glider.
Source announcementEuropean export contract
Joint ALPAGU and KARGU agreement announced; customer and quantities not disclosed.
Source announcementEuropean export contract
STM announced a combined KARGU and ALPAGU agreement with an unnamed NATO/EU member.
Source announcementFrench production contract announced
Six systems ordered for planned French Navy operation from 2028.
Source announcementMMUSV introduced
Textron introduced the fifth-generation CUSV derivative and identified its prior development award.
Source announcementMUX TACAIR award announced
Kratos announced Northrop Grumman's programme award combining the partners' mission-system and Valkyrie capabilities; the announcement does not establish operational acceptance.
Source announcementOperational-use authorisation announced
Official approval is established; procurement and delivery quantities are not disclosed.
Source announcementFirst flight announced
CASC reported first flight and described further flight-envelope and payload testing as forthcoming.
Source announcementBelgian training flights reported
Belgian Defence described its first training flights and planned expansion from two aircraft to ten.
Source announcementBlock 2 procurement and Block 3 development
Australian government announced new contracts and programme funding.
Source announcementHull construction announced
The navy marked plate cutting and forecast introduction from 2027.
Source announcementProduction factory opened
Anduril announced its Sydney factory and a first production vehicle ready for sea acceptance testing.
Source announcementNew surface generation presented
SBU publicly described upgraded boats and stated prior Black Sea use.
Source announcementADEX programme presentation
Korean Air announced a full-size KUS-FX mock-up; this was not reported as a flight milestone.
Source announcementPrototype publicly displayed
Korean Air displayed LOWUS at ADEX and described flight testing as the next phase.
Source announcementRetirement timetable confirmed
Ministerial answer gives an out-of-service date of March 2027.
Source announcementOfficial programme relationship documented
GUR distinguishes Iranian Shahed-238 from the Russian Geran-3 localisation.
Source announcementFirst flight reported
Specialist reporting describes a first flight with an onboard pilot for regulatory reasons.
Source announcementInitial ocean transit reported
DARPA reported completion of the ship's first open-ocean passage.
Source announcementShom received Marlin
French hydrographic operator received its first DriX H-8 at Brest.
Source announcementProduction in Ukraine announced
WB confirmed manufacture of complete systems by its Ukrainian subsidiary.
Source announcementShip christened
DARPA documented the Defiant demonstrator before extended sea trials.
Source announcementSUBARU ATLA collaborative UAV demonstrator
Research aircraft delivered
SUBARU delivered the designed, built and flight-tested experimental aircraft to ATLA for further research.
Source announcementBaltic demonstration reported
Saildrone reported four Voyagers participating in the June NATO demonstration.
Source announcementIndependent official observation published
Japan's Joint Staff identifies and photographs a BZK-005; no fleet count inferred.
Source announcementAustralia reports second and third aircraft arrivals
Publication date; Australian Defence says the aircraft arrived in May and identifies the fourth as a future delivery.
Source announcementNew iteration approved
Ukraine MoD announces codification and authorisation; earlier-model field use is separately stated.
Source announcementPrototype assembly completed
Airbus announced readiness for ground testing; current product page now places first deliveries in 2028.
Source announcementRAF announces entry into service
Protector entered RAF service; the announcement also identified further testing still to follow.
Source announcementNaval exhibition presentation
Saab UK highlighted Falcon in its maritime portfolio at the Combined Naval Event.
Source announcementMADEX debut announced
LIG Nex1 announced the Haegeom-X concept for the following day's MADEX opening.
Source announcementSeries production announced
HAVELSAN reports the production decision following earlier military use.
Source announcementXV Excalibur unveiled
The Navy named the delivered demonstrator and described a two-year trials programme.
Source announcementFamily publicly presented
Ukraine's defence intelligence service presented V5, V6P and V7.
Source announcementContract and sea trials reported
STM confirmed its first domestic contract and ongoing Mediterranean trials.
Source announcementUpgrades announced
Teledyne FLIR introduced enhancements to version 4; installed configuration should be checked by batch.
Source announcementFirst SRR Tranche 2 deliveries announced
Skydio announced fulfilment of an initial Army X10D order. The date is the manufacturer's announcement date.
Source announcementSkydio announces initial SRR Tranche 2 deliveries
Supplier publication confirms its first order was fulfilled; it does not establish delivery of all future programme requirements.
Source announcementProcurement and deployment described
Ukraine MoD states that the system is being procured and used in the war.
Source announcementUkrainian project completion reported
DOK-ING reports completion of a rental-based demining project with SafeLane Global and A3-Tech.
Source announcementDeliveries reported
SYPAQ described delivery into DEF129 and planned export availability in 2026.
Source announcementCodification and adoption announced
Ukraine's MoD reports adoption and prior combat-condition tests.
Source announcementOperational patrols confirmed
The defence ministry stated that MARSEC USVs had begun patrols in January 2025.
Source announcementideaForge SWITCH / SWITCH MINI
SWITCH MINI certification update
Manufacturer reported Fit for Indian Military Use certification.
Source announcementExercise demonstration claimed
IRNA relayed an IRGC announcement with performance figures requiring corroboration.
Source announcementReconnaissance development contract announced
LIG Nex1 announced a DAPA contract to develop two 12-metre-class USVs by 2027.
Source announcementFirst flight reported
BAE described electric prototype trials conducted in late October 2024.
Source announcementTW 12.7 approved
Ukraine MoD announces codification and authorisation after trials.
Source announcementProduction batch delivered
Presidential announcement records first batch delivery to defence forces.
Source announcementOfficial airshow description
China's defence ministry published a description of the WZ-10 exhibited at Airshow China 2024.
Source announcementCSSC publishes debut details
CSSC identified the development lead and large-vessel dimensions following the Airshow China presentation.
Source announcementExail A18-M / SLAM-F derivative
French selection announced
Eight extended AUVs selected, with eight further vehicles as options.
Source announcementProgramme discussed at research retreat
NAF identifies Tsaigumi among its R&D projects and notes industrial partnerships.
Source announcementV5 particulars published by operator
Ukraine's defence intelligence service published historical V5 size, speed and payload figures.
Source announcementQatar export contract announced
ARES identified the customer configuration as ULAQ-11 PSV.
Source announcementConflicting status assessment presented
Former DRDB head Osahor says Tsaigumi was not operationalised; this differs from the earlier NAF historical account.
Source announcementAircraft loss documented
Date identified by GUR in its subsequent recovered-airframe examination.
Source announcementRIPSAW M5 / M3 robotic vehicle family
Two M3 prototypes delivered
Textron announces delivery for the US Army's competitive Phase I prototype programme.
Source announcementMilitary trial account published
Manufacturer reports evaluation in the conflict zone as part of Legioner equipment development.
Source announcementFourth generation presented
Hyundai Rotem describes a fourth-generation evaluation prototype and prior trial history.
Source announcementFlight activity independently recorded
Japan's defence chronology records activity by the UAV family.
Source announcementNavy announces christening
NAVSEA documented Vanguard and its experimental Overlord role.
Source announcementFull-scale water trials reported
DARPA reported February–March 2024 testing of the Northrop Grumman prototype's underwater propulsion and steering modes.
Source announcementJapanese test order announced
Three SP vehicles were contracted for testing; the announcement described future deliveries.
Source announcementKMZ hydrographic USV (RK-700M derivative)
Exhibition configuration documented
KMZ published its description of the RK-700M-derived hydrographic USV.
Source announcementDIU prototype contract
Kongsberg announced a 24-month US prototype project exploring HUGIN Endurance and Superior technology.
Source announcementUS prototype project announced
Kongsberg announced a DIU agreement supporting the US Navy large-diameter UUV prototype effort; potential acquisition was conditional.
Source announcementFirst prototype delivery announced
Boeing announced delivery of the first Orca XLUUV prototype to the US Navy.
Source announcementDRDO Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator
Successful flight trial announced
Government announcement confirms the tailless flying-wing demonstrator's flight trial.
Source announcementAir-interception configuration delivered
Official ceremony reports delivery to the Iranian Army's Air Defence Force.
Source announcementGray Eagle 25M first flight
Manufacturer-reported first flight; announcement issued January 2024.
Source announcementSupply contract announced
EDGE reported a GARMOOSHA contract including support, training and spares.
Source announcementUAE order announced
EDGE reported an order for 100 aircraft and ADASI production responsibility.
Source announcementNamed in Army drone exercise
Exercise leadership names Ababil-3 among the aircraft flown.
Source announcementVizir exhibited by developers
KMZ reported a joint exhibit with the Polytechnic University at the naval show.
Source announcementNATO contracts announced
IAI reported contracts with three unnamed NATO countries.
Source announcementUS Navy deployment trial reported
Teledyne described a helicopter launch trial and stated that over 210 Slocum-family vehicles had been delivered to the Navy.
Source announcementUkraine deliveries confirmed
SYPAQ described supply and reconnaissance adaptation following user feedback.
Source announcementProgramme unveiled
BAE Systems Australia and Innovaero introduced STRIX at Avalon.
Source announcementProduction transition announced
Paramount announced N-Raven production with updated specifications.
Source announcementDIA publishes use assessment
The US agency publicly identifies Shahed-131 among Iranian-origin aircraft used by Russia.
Source announcementCetus contract announced
The Royal Navy announced its MSubs contract for an extra-large underwater experimental vehicle.
Source announcementOfficial exhibition account published
Government-hosted account records the first public display of Wing Loong-3 at the 2022 show.
Source announcementManufacturer exhibition announcement
CASC lists CH-6 among its planned airshow exhibits; this is not a flight or service milestone.
Source announcementGerman deliveries announced
Manufacturer release states deliveries were nearing completion; later final shipments were still planned.
Source announcementTajik production facility inaugurated
Iranian and Tajik defence leaders open a production plant in Dushanbe.
Source announcementPolice acquisition announced
Nigeria Police names ALTI Transition in a mixed UAV acquisition; type-specific quantity is not given.
Source announcementideaForge SWITCH / SWITCH MINI
Initial army delivery reported complete
ideaForge announced completion of the SWITCH 1.0 order.
Source announcementWing Loong-1E first flight
AVIC's announcement is reproduced in the embassy-hosted science bulletin.
Source announcementPublic EDEX disclosure
The next day's State Information Service announcement dates the public presentation to 29 November.
Source announcementDevelopment and manufacturing contract
GAMI announced its contract with SAMI; this does not establish completed fleet delivery.
Source announcementBasic military certification announced
Leonardo announced Italian military certification; subsequent modifications require configuration-specific verification.
Source announcementTrial deliveries announced
Hyundai Rotem announces two vehicles delivered for a military demonstration programme.
Source announcementArgeo procurement announced
Teledyne announced two 6,000-metre SeaRaptor AUVs procured by Argeo.
Source announcementBilateral research contract
MHI announced its Japanese defence contract for France–Japan mine-countermeasure technology research.
Source announcementService and autonomy update
Elbit stated Israeli Navy service since 2017 and announced navigation/vision upgrades.
Source announcementFirst production-system delivery announced
General Dynamics reported delivery of the first low-rate-production Knifefish system.
Source announcementProgramme discussion
Antonov records an industry/government discussion of the development possibility.
Source announcementPrototype programme officially documented
NCSIST statement published by Taiwan's defence ministry confirms an early development aircraft and continuing research.
Source announcementPrototype handover
DTI supplied a D-Eyes 02 prototype system to the Marine Corps for evaluation.
Source announcementJoint integration presented
Milrem and John Cockerill publicly present a Type-X mission-module integration.
Source announcementProduction-base account published
CASC identifies CH-5 among the aircraft produced at its Taizhou base.
Source announcementLaunch reported
The 716 institute announced the small JARI vessel's launch, with further autonomy testing still required.
Source announcementMQ-8C initial operational capability
NAVAIR records the Navy declaration for the C variant.
Source announcementCommercial order announced
Saab announced a Sabertooth order from an unnamed oil-and-gas customer.
Source announcementProgramme disclosed
KACST described testing, successive generations and a future production objective.
Source announcementMaiden-flight announcement
Ministry of Defence announced the initial TAPAS 201 flight; this is a development milestone.
Source announcementSaeqeh / IRN-170 flying-wing family
Saeqeh unveiled
IRGC unveiling date recorded by Iranian state reporting.
Source announcementSerial production announced
IAI reported production following orders from multiple unnamed customers.
Source announcementInitial production FFOS flight test
Fuji reported successful automatic flight of the first production aircraft.
Source announcement