Below the reader will find recent news about unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are used in conflicts (Ukraine, Africa, etc.), new developments in drone use, and training by military forces for using drones during combat operations. Curated articles on the topics below are provided:
- U.S. Army and Drones: Defense or Offense?
- General Atomics New Attack Drone
- Neros Wins U.S. Army Contract
- Russian Oil Refineries Targeted by Drones
- Single Drone Operator Controlling Multiple Drones.
- Chinese Ship – “Drone Carrier”
- Humanitarian Aspects of Drone Warfare
- Taiwan Responds to China’s Drone Threat
- The Politics of Europe’s “Drone Wall”
U.S. and Drones
U.S. Army and Drones – Defense or Offense? Some commentators worry that the U.S. Army may rush into the rapid transformation of utilizing offensive drones at the expense of the Army’s advantage in land warfare. Perhaps the Army would be better served in coming up with more ways to counter drones than to transform its armed forces into a ‘drone-centric’ force. This would entail countering the drone revolution to restore maneuver to the battlefield. Matthew Revels and Eric Uribe provide their thoughts on the topic in “Drones Won’t Save the US: Learning the Wrong Lessons from Ukraine will cost the US Army its Edge in Maneuver Warfare”, Modern War Institute at West Point, November 5, 2025.
Neros Wins U.S. Army Contract. The founders of a drone manufacturing company were just a few years ago teenage drone racers. Now the company, formed in 2023, has won a coveted Army contract supplying its Archer drone to the army. Neros is one of three companies picked to supply low-cost, expendable drones. The company also has a contract with the U.S. Marines as well as with Ukraine. “The 20-Somethings Who Raised $121 Million to Build Military Drones”, by Farah Stockman, The New York Times, November 10, 2025. (subscription)
General Atomic’s New Attack Drone. The Gambit-6 features pluggable mission modules and flexible air-to-ground strike capabilities. “Gambit Evolves: General Atomics Introduces New Stealth Attack Drone”, NextGenDefense, November 2025.
Drones and the Ukraine – Russia Conflict
Russian Oil Refineries Targeted by Drones. Oil refineries in Russia have been targeted by Ukrainian drones causing chaos for the Russian energy market. The oil refineries and oil pipelines have been a regular target for Kyiv in the past year.
Single Drone Operator Controlling Multiple Drones. A new system is multiplying the power of drones by allowing one operator to control several at a time, hitting targets in quick succession. This technology, known as Pasika, includes modules for communications, navigation, and autonomy. It is used for low cost First Person View (FPV) drones. “New Setup Turns Ukrainian Drone Operators into Squadron Commanders”, by David Hambling, Forbes, November 6, 2025.
“Army of Drones Bonus” System. The Government of Ukraine has launched a platform entitled “Brave1” that connects innovative companies developing technologies for national defense. Ukrainian soldiers can now redeem combat points earned for destroying enemy targets for unmanned ground vehicles through the Brave1 Market platform. United24 Media, Oct 28, 2025.
Drones Around the World
Chinese Ship – “Drone Carrier”. China appears to be testing and potentially fielding a number of different ship designs that will carry drones of various sizes. “Chinese ‘Mini Drone Carrier’ Seen Being used as Test Ship”, The War Zone, November 5, 2025.
Humanitarian Aspects of Drone Warfare. Lauren Spink writes that urgent global action is needed to prevent harm to civilians by cheap but dangerous UAVs. “Drones are Changing How Wars Harm Civilians”, Just Security, November 4, 2025.
Taiwan Responds to China’s Drone Threat. Many national security observers are looking to 2027 as the year that China will be able to attempt – by several possible methods – to take control of Taiwan. A new dimension in this potential threat is the leading role that China is taking in drone development with the potential that drones will play a major role in any attempted takeover of Taiwan. The island nation is responding with plans to grow its own domestic drone production pipelines and to adopt drone technology in its military. Read more by Brandi Vincent in “Taiwan moves to counter China’s drone dominance”, Defensescoop, November 5, 2025.
The Politics of Europe’s “Drone Wall”. Russia’s threats has prompted a response by European powers for an integrated continental defense against drones; however, quarrels over capabilities and control might derail or weaken the project. “A wall rebuilt in Europe – this one for drones”, by Angela G. Palmer, The Interpreter, Lowy Institute, November 7, 2025.
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Image. A Swedish K3 Ranger operates a first-person view drone during Adamant Serpent 26 in Alvdalen, Sweden, Oct. 25, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Reece Heck, SOCEUR)
