Quantum Systems Raises €160M Series C Funding

Quantum Systems – a supplier of AI-powered aerial intelligence systems for defense, emergency services, and industry – has raised €160 million in new funding, led by Balderton Capital, with participation from Hensoldt, Airbus Defense and Space, Bullhound Capital, LP&E AG and existing investors, including HV Capital, Project A, Peter Thiel, DTCP, Omnes Capital, Airbus Ventures, Porsche SE and Notion. Continue reading

Palladyne AI and Red Cat Complete Successful Cross-Platform Collaborative Drone Flight

Palladyne AI Corp., a developer of artificial intelligence software for robotic platforms in the defense and commercial sectors, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc., a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, have announced a significant testing milestone in their ongoing collaboration – the completion of an autonomous, cross-platform collaborative flight involving three diverse heterogeneous drones. Continue reading

AFRL Awards URSA MAJOR $28.6M Contract for Responsive Space, Hypersonic, and On-Orbit Propulsion

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division at Edwards AFB, Calif., has awarded URSA Major Technologies Inc., Berthoud, Colorado, a $28,565,857 firm-fixed price contract for responsive space, hypersonic, and on-orbit propulsion. This new contract will follow-on work completed to mature advanced liquid rocket engines and will culminate in a flight demonstration. Continue reading

Two Russian Su-30 Flankers Downed by AIM-9s Fired from Ukrainian Drone Boats

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) shot down two Su-30 Flanker multirole fighters with AIM-9 Sidewinder infrared-guided air-to-air missiles fired by Magura-7 drone boats, the head of the agency told The War Zone exclusively. This marks the first time fighter airecraft have been downed by drone boats and the first use of the AIM-9 from a drone boat for a kill. Continue reading