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 announcement ↗DEFENCE 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 announcement ↗UK 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 announcement ↗General 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 announcement ↗First production lot awarded
Three Lot 1 aircraft contracted; delivery and operational acceptance are separate milestones.
Source announcement ↗US Marine Corps order announced
Twelve SP vehicles and five amphibious kits ordered for continued evaluation and development.
Source announcement ↗Sales agreement announced
HAVELSAN reported a commercial agreement and described deliveries as forthcoming.
Source announcement ↗Fleet integration update
Leidos reported Sea Hunter's RIMPAC activity and Seahawk operating with a carrier strike group.
Source announcement ↗Manufacturer unveiling
WB Group identified the WARMATE 30 aircraft and reported a Polish GLADIUS 2 order.
Source announcement ↗Flowcopter 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 announcement ↗Goliath-RU exhibition announced
Rostec names the reconnaissance copter in Kalashnikov's EEF display.
Source announcement ↗Karakurt-R exhibition announced
The suffix version is named in the Eastern Economic Forum display.
Source announcement ↗Provisional German certification
Rheinmetall announced clearance for independent training and testing; full type certification remained in progress.
Source announcement ↗Marine Corps unit use documented
Released imagery identifies Bolt-M with BLT 1/8 at Camp Lejeune.
Source announcement ↗Production contract
ATLA contracted Terra Drone following comparative evaluation; delivery completion was not established.
Source announcement ↗MV11 unveiled
UFORCE presented the larger platform at Ukraine's Independence Day display.
Source announcement ↗Naval payload demonstration announced
Saildrone reported Surveyor participation in RIMPAC weapons and electronic-sensing trials.
Source announcement ↗TB-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 announcement ↗Codification announced
MoD says the T40 completed tests supporting its stated characteristics.
Source announcement ↗UK MV7 launch announced
UFORCE reported a UK-developed MV7 launch as part of a research and testing programme.
Source announcement ↗S2 test update published
Manufacturer described July 2026 integration tests; not operational acceptance.
Source announcement ↗Liutyi reusable derivative — reported
Reusable derivative reported
News account describes an exhibition proposal; no operational acceptance established.
Source announcement ↗Codification publicly announced
The ministry also reports earlier use of family variants; this is not their common service-entry date.
Source announcement ↗French Senate distinguishes redirected requirements from withdrawal
Revised French planning removed earlier delivery targets; France had not formally withdrawn at the report date.
Source announcement ↗French procurement abandonment recorded
Senate report describes the minister's decision to abandon Patroller and redirect tactical-drone acquisition.
Source announcement ↗Export-priority designation announced
The Defence Industry Minister named Ghost Shark a priority under the Australian Defence Strategic Sales Office.
Source announcement ↗Authorisation announced
Ukraine MoD reports codification for Defence Forces use; delivery is not established.
Source announcement ↗German co-production order announced
Quantum Systems and Tencore announce a joint venture and an initial 2,000-platform order.
Source announcement ↗General 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 announcement ↗New mission integrations displayed
Milrem announces additional counter-drone and sensor integrations at Eurosatory.
Source announcement ↗RAF 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 announcement ↗Production and delivery account published
MoD describes military supply since autumn 2025; exact first-delivery date remains unspecified.
Source announcement ↗EFES exercise account published
HAVELSAN describes BARKAN-2 casualty-evacuation participation while identifying BARKAN-3 as continued development.
Source announcement ↗German sale announced
C2 Robotics and Eurobotics announced a German sale and European partnership.
Source announcement ↗General 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 announcement ↗Extended autonomous mission reported
MARTAC reported a 192-hour mission by a Navy-owned T38.
Source announcement ↗LASSO prototype award announced
Supplier reported an agreement for development, delivery and testing; not operational acceptance.
Source announcement ↗BARKAN 3 introduction announced
Company announces a new configuration for SAHA EXPO; it is not equated with the older accepted platform.
Source announcement ↗US commissioning reported
C2 Robotics announced the first Speartooth export commissioning for the United States.
Source announcement ↗8,000-interceptor procurement announced
The ministry announcement records procurement, not completed delivery.
Source announcement ↗DIU procurement announced
Textron announced a multiple-vessel award for Fourth Fleet and SOUTHCOM activity.
Source announcement ↗Long-range demonstration reported
Cellula reported 2,023 km and 385 hours submerged on hydrogen fuel-cell power.
Source announcement ↗Design unveiled
Saildrone announced Spectre; first sea trials were planned for early 2027.
Source announcement ↗Further UK support package
Windracers announced selection as a primary supplier supporting Ukraine.
Source announcement ↗Navy unit assignment announced
Australian Defence named MASU and listed Ghost Shark among the capabilities the unit would operate.
Source announcement ↗Previously used vehicle enters museum collection
The museum records the donated vehicle's earlier Ukrainian military logistics service.
Source announcement ↗First production aircraft rolled out
Korean Air announced roll-out; testing and acceptance remained ahead of planned early-2027 delivery.
Source announcement ↗MMCM surface vessels: Ariadne, Adventure and Apollo
Royal Navy confirms Adventure handover
The operator described Ariadne as in service and Adventure as delivered.
Source announcement ↗Codification and use profile published
MoD described authorised operational use and initial deployments.
Source announcement ↗Named roles and developer reported
Government video identifies the developer and describes three mission roles; no acceptance quantity is disclosed.
Source announcement ↗Swedish follow-on order
Additional vehicles and modules ordered following the initial 2025 delivery.
Source announcement ↗MMCM surface vessels: Ariadne, Adventure and Apollo
Second UK system delivery announced
OCCAR confirmed the second UK MMCM primary system.
Source announcement ↗Submarine capability contract announced
L3Harris announced DIU selection of its Iver4 900-based launch-and-recovery capability.
Source announcement ↗Further 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 announcement ↗Skydio 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 announcement ↗Forty additional vessels ordered
Australia announced an investment to increase the intended fleet to 55 Bluebottles.
Source announcement ↗First toolbox delivery reported
Exail reported the first Belgian–Dutch MCM toolbox delivery including two Inspector 125 USVs; some other equipment remained scheduled.
Source announcement ↗German Navy handover
IAI and TKMS documented delivery at Eckernförde naval base; the release was published the following day.
Source announcement ↗Official exercise report
Australian Defence reported OWL-B use in AUKUS Maritime Big Play.
Source announcement ↗NATO exercise demonstration
Baykar reported TB3 activity from TCG Anadolu; supplier account published 15 February.
Source announcement ↗North Atlantic demonstration reported
Teledyne reported Sentinel participation in an autonomous acoustic-system demonstration to NATO members.
Source announcement ↗Swedish delivery announced
Teledyne reported the first four Gavia systems delivered to FMV.
Source announcement ↗North Atlantic demonstration concluded
A Teledyne demonstration held 17–22 January included a Slocum G3 with acoustic communications, separately from a Sentinel glider.
Source announcement ↗European export contract
Joint ALPAGU and KARGU agreement announced; customer and quantities not disclosed.
Source announcement ↗European export contract
STM announced a combined KARGU and ALPAGU agreement with an unnamed NATO/EU member.
Source announcement ↗French production contract announced
Six systems ordered for planned French Navy operation from 2028.
Source announcement ↗MMUSV introduced
Textron introduced the fifth-generation CUSV derivative and identified its prior development award.
Source announcement ↗MUX 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 announcement ↗Operational-use authorisation announced
Official approval is established; procurement and delivery quantities are not disclosed.
Source announcement ↗First flight announced
CASC reported first flight and described further flight-envelope and payload testing as forthcoming.
Source announcement ↗Belgian training flights reported
Belgian Defence described its first training flights and planned expansion from two aircraft to ten.
Source announcement ↗Block 2 procurement and Block 3 development
Australian government announced new contracts and programme funding.
Source announcement ↗Hull construction announced
The navy marked plate cutting and forecast introduction from 2027.
Source announcement ↗Production factory opened
Anduril announced its Sydney factory and a first production vehicle ready for sea acceptance testing.
Source announcement ↗New surface generation presented
SBU publicly described upgraded boats and stated prior Black Sea use.
Source announcement ↗ADEX programme presentation
Korean Air announced a full-size KUS-FX mock-up; this was not reported as a flight milestone.
Source announcement ↗Prototype publicly displayed
Korean Air displayed LOWUS at ADEX and described flight testing as the next phase.
Source announcement ↗Retirement timetable confirmed
Ministerial answer gives an out-of-service date of March 2027.
Source announcement ↗Official programme relationship documented
GUR distinguishes Iranian Shahed-238 from the Russian Geran-3 localisation.
Source announcement ↗First flight reported
Specialist reporting describes a first flight with an onboard pilot for regulatory reasons.
Source announcement ↗Initial ocean transit reported
DARPA reported completion of the ship's first open-ocean passage.
Source announcement ↗Shom received Marlin
French hydrographic operator received its first DriX H-8 at Brest.
Source announcement ↗Production in Ukraine announced
WB confirmed manufacture of complete systems by its Ukrainian subsidiary.
Source announcement ↗Ship christened
DARPA documented the Defiant demonstrator before extended sea trials.
Source announcement ↗SUBARU ATLA collaborative UAV demonstrator
Research aircraft delivered
SUBARU delivered the designed, built and flight-tested experimental aircraft to ATLA for further research.
Source announcement ↗Baltic demonstration reported
Saildrone reported four Voyagers participating in the June NATO demonstration.
Source announcement ↗Independent official observation published
Japan's Joint Staff identifies and photographs a BZK-005; no fleet count inferred.
Source announcement ↗Australia 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 announcement ↗New iteration approved
Ukraine MoD announces codification and authorisation; earlier-model field use is separately stated.
Source announcement ↗Prototype assembly completed
Airbus announced readiness for ground testing; current product page now places first deliveries in 2028.
Source announcement ↗RAF announces entry into service
Protector entered RAF service; the announcement also identified further testing still to follow.
Source announcement ↗Naval exhibition presentation
Saab UK highlighted Falcon in its maritime portfolio at the Combined Naval Event.
Source announcement ↗MADEX debut announced
LIG Nex1 announced the Haegeom-X concept for the following day's MADEX opening.
Source announcement ↗Series production announced
HAVELSAN reports the production decision following earlier military use.
Source announcement ↗XV Excalibur unveiled
The Navy named the delivered demonstrator and described a two-year trials programme.
Source announcement ↗Family publicly presented
Ukraine's defence intelligence service presented V5, V6P and V7.
Source announcement ↗Contract and sea trials reported
STM confirmed its first domestic contract and ongoing Mediterranean trials.
Source announcement ↗Upgrades announced
Teledyne FLIR introduced enhancements to version 4; installed configuration should be checked by batch.
Source announcement ↗First SRR Tranche 2 deliveries announced
Skydio announced fulfilment of an initial Army X10D order. The date is the manufacturer's announcement date.
Source announcement ↗Skydio 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 announcement ↗Procurement and deployment described
Ukraine MoD states that the system is being procured and used in the war.
Source announcement ↗Ukrainian project completion reported
DOK-ING reports completion of a rental-based demining project with SafeLane Global and A3-Tech.
Source announcement ↗Deliveries reported
SYPAQ described delivery into DEF129 and planned export availability in 2026.
Source announcement ↗Codification and adoption announced
Ukraine's MoD reports adoption and prior combat-condition tests.
Source announcement ↗Operational patrols confirmed
The defence ministry stated that MARSEC USVs had begun patrols in January 2025.
Source announcement ↗ideaForge SWITCH / SWITCH MINI
SWITCH MINI certification update
Manufacturer reported Fit for Indian Military Use certification.
Source announcement ↗Exercise demonstration claimed
IRNA relayed an IRGC announcement with performance figures requiring corroboration.
Source announcement ↗Reconnaissance development contract announced
LIG Nex1 announced a DAPA contract to develop two 12-metre-class USVs by 2027.
Source announcement ↗First flight reported
BAE described electric prototype trials conducted in late October 2024.
Source announcement ↗TW 12.7 approved
Ukraine MoD announces codification and authorisation after trials.
Source announcement ↗Production batch delivered
Presidential announcement records first batch delivery to defence forces.
Source announcement ↗Official airshow description
China's defence ministry published a description of the WZ-10 exhibited at Airshow China 2024.
Source announcement ↗CSSC publishes debut details
CSSC identified the development lead and large-vessel dimensions following the Airshow China presentation.
Source announcement ↗Exail A18-M / SLAM-F derivative
French selection announced
Eight extended AUVs selected, with eight further vehicles as options.
Source announcement ↗Programme discussed at research retreat
NAF identifies Tsaigumi among its R&D projects and notes industrial partnerships.
Source announcement ↗V5 particulars published by operator
Ukraine's defence intelligence service published historical V5 size, speed and payload figures.
Source announcement ↗Qatar export contract announced
ARES identified the customer configuration as ULAQ-11 PSV.
Source announcement ↗Conflicting status assessment presented
Former DRDB head Osahor says Tsaigumi was not operationalised; this differs from the earlier NAF historical account.
Source announcement ↗Aircraft loss documented
Date identified by GUR in its subsequent recovered-airframe examination.
Source announcement ↗RIPSAW M5 / M3 robotic vehicle family
Two M3 prototypes delivered
Textron announces delivery for the US Army's competitive Phase I prototype programme.
Source announcement ↗Military trial account published
Manufacturer reports evaluation in the conflict zone as part of Legioner equipment development.
Source announcement ↗Fourth generation presented
Hyundai Rotem describes a fourth-generation evaluation prototype and prior trial history.
Source announcement ↗Flight activity independently recorded
Japan's defence chronology records activity by the UAV family.
Source announcement ↗Navy announces christening
NAVSEA documented Vanguard and its experimental Overlord role.
Source announcement ↗Full-scale water trials reported
DARPA reported February–March 2024 testing of the Northrop Grumman prototype's underwater propulsion and steering modes.
Source announcement ↗Japanese test order announced
Three SP vehicles were contracted for testing; the announcement described future deliveries.
Source announcement ↗KMZ hydrographic USV (RK-700M derivative)
Exhibition configuration documented
KMZ published its description of the RK-700M-derived hydrographic USV.
Source announcement ↗DIU prototype contract
Kongsberg announced a 24-month US prototype project exploring HUGIN Endurance and Superior technology.
Source announcement ↗US prototype project announced
Kongsberg announced a DIU agreement supporting the US Navy large-diameter UUV prototype effort; potential acquisition was conditional.
Source announcement ↗First prototype delivery announced
Boeing announced delivery of the first Orca XLUUV prototype to the US Navy.
Source announcement ↗DRDO Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator
Successful flight trial announced
Government announcement confirms the tailless flying-wing demonstrator's flight trial.
Source announcement ↗Air-interception configuration delivered
Official ceremony reports delivery to the Iranian Army's Air Defence Force.
Source announcement ↗Gray Eagle 25M first flight
Manufacturer-reported first flight; announcement issued January 2024.
Source announcement ↗Supply contract announced
EDGE reported a GARMOOSHA contract including support, training and spares.
Source announcement ↗UAE order announced
EDGE reported an order for 100 aircraft and ADASI production responsibility.
Source announcement ↗Named in Army drone exercise
Exercise leadership names Ababil-3 among the aircraft flown.
Source announcement ↗Public unveiling
Defence Industry Day ceremony in Tehran introduces the aircraft.
Source announcement ↗Vizir exhibited by developers
KMZ reported a joint exhibit with the Polytechnic University at the naval show.
Source announcement ↗NATO contracts announced
IAI reported contracts with three unnamed NATO countries.
Source announcement ↗US 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 announcement ↗Ukraine deliveries confirmed
SYPAQ described supply and reconnaissance adaptation following user feedback.
Source announcement ↗Programme unveiled
BAE Systems Australia and Innovaero introduced STRIX at Avalon.
Source announcement ↗Production transition announced
Paramount announced N-Raven production with updated specifications.
Source announcement ↗DIA publishes use assessment
The US agency publicly identifies Shahed-131 among Iranian-origin aircraft used by Russia.
Source announcement ↗Cetus contract announced
The Royal Navy announced its MSubs contract for an extra-large underwater experimental vehicle.
Source announcement ↗Official exhibition account published
Government-hosted account records the first public display of Wing Loong-3 at the 2022 show.
Source announcement ↗Manufacturer exhibition announcement
CASC lists CH-6 among its planned airshow exhibits; this is not a flight or service milestone.
Source announcement ↗German deliveries announced
Manufacturer release states deliveries were nearing completion; later final shipments were still planned.
Source announcement ↗Tajik production facility inaugurated
Iranian and Tajik defence leaders open a production plant in Dushanbe.
Source announcement ↗Police acquisition announced
Nigeria Police names ALTI Transition in a mixed UAV acquisition; type-specific quantity is not given.
Source announcement ↗ideaForge SWITCH / SWITCH MINI
Initial army delivery reported complete
ideaForge announced completion of the SWITCH 1.0 order.
Source announcement ↗Wing Loong-1E first flight
AVIC's announcement is reproduced in the embassy-hosted science bulletin.
Source announcement ↗Public EDEX disclosure
The next day's State Information Service announcement dates the public presentation to 29 November.
Source announcement ↗Development and manufacturing contract
GAMI announced its contract with SAMI; this does not establish completed fleet delivery.
Source announcement ↗Basic military certification announced
Leonardo announced Italian military certification; subsequent modifications require configuration-specific verification.
Source announcement ↗Rex MK II introduced
IAI announces the MK II and reports unnamed customer sales.
Source announcement ↗Trial deliveries announced
Hyundai Rotem announces two vehicles delivered for a military demonstration programme.
Source announcement ↗Argeo procurement announced
Teledyne announced two 6,000-metre SeaRaptor AUVs procured by Argeo.
Source announcement ↗Bilateral research contract
MHI announced its Japanese defence contract for France–Japan mine-countermeasure technology research.
Source announcement ↗Service and autonomy update
Elbit stated Israeli Navy service since 2017 and announced navigation/vision upgrades.
Source announcement ↗First production-system delivery announced
General Dynamics reported delivery of the first low-rate-production Knifefish system.
Source announcement ↗Programme discussion
Antonov records an industry/government discussion of the development possibility.
Source announcement ↗Prototype programme officially documented
NCSIST statement published by Taiwan's defence ministry confirms an early development aircraft and continuing research.
Source announcement ↗Prototype handover
DTI supplied a D-Eyes 02 prototype system to the Marine Corps for evaluation.
Source announcement ↗Joint integration presented
Milrem and John Cockerill publicly present a Type-X mission-module integration.
Source announcement ↗Production-base account published
CASC identifies CH-5 among the aircraft produced at its Taizhou base.
Source announcement ↗Launch reported
The 716 institute announced the small JARI vessel's launch, with further autonomy testing still required.
Source announcement ↗MQ-8C initial operational capability
NAVAIR records the Navy declaration for the C variant.
Source announcement ↗Commercial order announced
Saab announced a Sabertooth order from an unnamed oil-and-gas customer.
Source announcement ↗Programme disclosed
KACST described testing, successive generations and a future production objective.
Source announcement ↗Maiden-flight announcement
Ministry of Defence announced the initial TAPAS 201 flight; this is a development milestone.
Source announcement ↗Saeqeh / IRN-170 flying-wing family
Saeqeh unveiled
IRGC unveiling date recorded by Iranian state reporting.
Source announcement ↗Serial production announced
IAI reported production following orders from multiple unnamed customers.
Source announcement ↗Initial production FFOS flight test
Fuji reported successful automatic flight of the first production aircraft.
Source announcement ↗