Volocopter has introduced the VoloXPro, a new electrically powered ultralight multicopter. The aircraft is designed for both private and commercial use.
The company says the VoloXPro will serve flight schools, flying clubs, and air sports users across Europe. In international markets, it is also planned for use in air taxi services. Certification as an ultralight aircraft in Germany is expected by the end of 2026, with additional approvals underway in other countries.
The aircraft will make its public debut at AERO 2026.
A Modular Approach to eVTOL Design
The VoloXPro represents a new platform for Volocopter. It builds on technology from the company’s VoloCity, which is designed for urban air taxi operations.
The aircraft uses a modular system. This allows different configurations based on user needs. Options range from simple cockpit setups to more advanced systems for professional operators.
Volocopter says this shared design approach improves both safety and cost efficiency. The company notes that components used in the VoloCity help support a safety structure comparable to commercial aircraft standards. This level of safety is not typical in Germany’s ultralight category.
The modular design also allows for more flexible pricing. By using shared components and pursuing ultralight certification, the company aims to lower costs for operators and private buyers.
Technology and Pilot Experience
The VoloXPro includes several configurable features. These include a single-stick control system, a glass cockpit, and optional assistance tools such as collision warning systems. Users can also choose from different battery options, charging systems, and design elements.
David Bausek, CTO of Volocopter, said:
“With the ultralight VoloXPro, electric multicopter flying at the safety standard of a passenger aircraft — at the price of a luxury car — will become possible for private customers and commercial operators.
Thanks to the fly-by-wire control system, flying is easier than ever before, and all of it is low-noise and emissions-free.”
The aircraft is designed to support pilot training as well as recreational flying. Volocopter says the VoloXPro can help prepare pilots for next-generation aircraft. Its electric propulsion and fly-by-wire system aim to reduce workload and improve flight stability.
Expanding into Training and Advanced Air Mobility
The VoloXPro also supports Volocopter’s broader strategy in advanced air mobility. The aircraft is positioned as a bridge between current pilot training and future eVTOL operations.
According to the company, the platform improves situational awareness and enables consistent flight performance. This could make it useful for training new pilots entering the powered-lift segment.
Volocopter worked with Diamond Aircraft during development. The companies refined the design throughout 2025, focusing on supply chain alignment and component optimization.
Key Specifications
The VoloXPro includes the following features:
- Fully electric propulsion
- Two-seat configuration
- 18 rotors
- Cruise speed of 70 km/h
- Maximum range of 40 km
- Maximum takeoff mass of 600 kg
- Payload capacity of 154 kg
- Planned market entry at the end of 2026
Volocopter is one of several companies working to bring electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to market. The company continues to focus on both urban air mobility and smaller aircraft categories.
By introducing the VoloXPro, Volocopter is expanding its reach beyond air taxi operations. The new aircraft targets private pilots and training organizations, while still aligning with long-term goals for commercial passenger transport.
As certification efforts continue, the VoloXPro may play a role in preparing pilots for the next phase of aviation.
Read more:
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to DroneLife here.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Skyports Drone Services today announced that trial flights using a small uncrewed aircraft to carry light cargo between lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Marine Terminal will begin on the 27th of April for 12 months. The flights are scheduled to operate weekdays on a fixed route entirely over water, away from residential buildings and under the supervision of a certified drone pilot with the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The yearlong trial will be the latest in the Port Authority’s work to assess the viability of drone cargo routes that may one day be used to deliver goods for public benefit around the region as a means of removing vehicles from congested roads, supporting low-carbon delivery methods and seeking alternatives to traditional middle-mile delivery of goods. It follows a shorter two-week proof-of-concept test that was conducted in January by Skyports, in partnership with the Port Authority and NYCEDC, using the same route, schedule and small uncrewed aircraft.
“The Port Authority has put small uncrewed aircraft to use for public service for many years already, from helping in demolition and construction of mega-structures around the region to the maintenance of our marine facilities from the water line up to the tallest heights of our bridges’ cables and towers,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “More than 75 years ago, the Port Authority revolutionized how the entire world moves goods for commerce with the invention of containerized shipping at Port Newark. Now we are laying the groundwork for the next generation of cargo delivery in this region.”
“The movement of goods and people has changed dramatically in the past century since the Port Authority was founded, but there is always one constant: we are always at the forefront, whether it was building the world’s longest suspender bridge or operating the world’s busiest bus terminal,” said Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia. “As the operator of this region’s network of airports, we are building on our experience and relationships to make drone cargo delivery a reality so that the entire region can benefit from fewer delivery vehicles on congested city streets and fewer emissions in the air we all breathe.”
“Around the world, drones have proven themselves an effective tool for getting critical cargo from A to B, providing a quicker and cleaner alternative to regular road transport,” said Skyports CEO Alex Brown. “Whether it’s traversing heavy traffic or tough terrain, drones have real potential to improve middle-mile logistics. We look forward to demonstrating their potential in New York over the next 12 months, helping to take vehicles off the road and improve the level of care provided to medical patients.”
“NYCEDC is leading the charge in a transportation revolution, leveraging New York City’s assets to reimagine the ways the city moves goods and people – making this drone pilot a reality,” said Jeanny Pak, interim president & CEO of New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). “Working alongside our public and private partners, we are transforming the city’s waterfront – including the Brooklyn Marine Terminal and Downtown Skyport – into cutting-edge multimodal hubs for sustainable transit and last mile delivery. These efforts are shifting the movement of goods from our city streets to our waterways and skies, paving the way for cleaner, more sustainable transportation and delivery of goods throughout the region.”
The Port Authority entered into a partnership with international drone operator Skyports in 2024, after Skyports responded to a 2023 agency request seeking operators interested in making drone cargo delivery a reality in the region. U.K.-based Skyports operates delivery and inspection drone services around the world. Since 2023, it has been providing middle-mile drone deliveries in Scotland for Royal Mail, using drones to deliver mail to rural, remote areas, and in Germany where its drones delivered critical cargo to offshore wind turbines for RWE.
During its upcoming yearlong trial in New York City, a Skyports drone will conduct multiple round-trip flights every weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. across the East River between the Downtown Skyport and the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, both of which are managed by NYCEDC on behalf of New York City. The trial will fly nonhazardous, non-sensitive, non-biological cargo such as light pharmaceuticals for a non-profit health system in New York City, with the goal to assess the impact and integration of drone deliveries for medical cargo on improving patient outcomes.
Due to the Manhattan takeoff site’s proximity to other types of aircraft, maritime vessels and infrastructure such as ferry landings, Skyports will comply with NYCEDC guidelines as well as FAA regulations within one of the world’s busiest waterways and most complex airspaces that includes the Port Authority’s network of airports. It also will comply with other regulatory agencies that secure and protect New York City’s harbor, such as the New York Police Department, the Fire Department of New York and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Prior to the start of the yearlong test, the Port Authority, Skyports and NYCEDC conducted extensive outreach to local communities, elected officials and maritime stakeholders to address concerns surrounding the test flights.
“We applaud the ongoing effort to support cargo drone operations along the East River through active coordination among vessel operators, pilots, federal partners, and port stakeholders, building on established communication frameworks that keep this complex harbor operating safely each day,” said Stephen Lyman, executive director of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey. “This collaboration is enabling the seamless integration of drone cargo delivery in a way that enhances efficiency, safety, and public benefit across both the waterways and the airspace.”
The upcoming yearlong trial of the Skyports drone is based on the results from a previous successful proof-of-concept test in January 2026, when the drone completed 135 flights, covered 151 miles and transported a total of 252 pounds of dummy cargo. Each one-way trip between Manhattan and Brooklyn took an average of 4 minutes, compared to the same trip by vehicle that would have taken up to 20 minutes. The total distance traveled by the drone would have saved a vehicle from driving up to 660 miles or using 40 gallons of gas. Even with inclement weather during the duration of the two-week test in January, 96 percent of expected flights were completed.
At the conclusion of the yearlong trial, the Port Authority and Skyports will assess the value, viability and impact of the trial and whether it could be expanded to cover similar cargo drone routes in the region. Skyports and the private New York healthcare system will also evaluate the service’s impact on patient outcomes and the possibility of implementing a permanent, regularly scheduled cargo drone service.
The Port Authority’s cargo drone trial flights align with New York City’s ongoing efforts to shift freight from the city’s roadways to the water and sky through use of waterfront sites such as those in these trial flights. In April 2025, NYCEDC announced Downtown Skyport LLC — a joint venture between Skyports Infrastructure (Skyports) and Groupe ADP — as the new operator of the Downtown Skyport, with a goal to transform the site into a multimodal hub of transportation, ready to move goods and people sustainably by water and by air. In September 2025, a $3.5 billion vision plan was advanced to reimagine the Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a modern, all-electric maritime hub and vibrant mixed-use community.
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The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) published a consultation document, CAP3240, to establish a regulatory policy framework for new types of vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The UK government has stated an objective to see piloted electric vertical take-off and landing operations in the UK from 2028. To meet this goal, the CAA aims to implement a clear regulatory framework that permits initial commercial passenger flights. The consultation received 28 responses, with 85% expressing positive views on the proposals. The approach seeks to use existing aviation regulatory frameworks where possible, only introducing bespoke requirements when technological or operational characteristics render existing rules unsuitable.
Definitions and Classifications A core component of the framework involves defining these new vehicles. The CAA proposes updating the existing UK definition of a powered-lift aircraft to capture most new vertical take-off and landing aircraft, aligning with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards. However, some new aircraft operate similarly to helicopters but lack the capability to perform an autorotation (or an equivalent safe forced landing alternative) in the event of power failure or energy depletion. The CAA will classify these as non-conventional helicopters. By treating them as a subcategory of helicopters, regulators can apply targeted requirements to mitigate specific safety risks without burdening conventional helicopter operations. The propulsion architecture itself—whether using vectored thrust or independent lift and cruise motors—will not affect the classification, as the rules are intended to be technologically agnostic. Where an aircraft does not neatly fit into existing statutory definitions, the CAA will retain the discretion to determine the most appropriate classification.
Complex Motor-Powered Aircraft Under the framework, powered-lift aircraft and non-conventional helicopters will be treated as complex motor-powered aircraft by default. Respondents broadly agreed that the novelty, complexity and safety-critical nature of these vehicles—such as their highly integrated systems and distributed propulsion architectures—justify this stringent classification. This classification ensures that operational risk remains equivalent to legacy commercial aviation. Nevertheless, the CAA proposes a discretionary power to exempt certain aircraft from this category, provided there is a clear and transparent decision-making framework, which will be the subject of further consultation.
Airworthiness Standards The framework establishes robust standards for both initial and continuing airworthiness. For initial airworthiness, the CAA will use the existing framework set out in Part 21 of UK Regulation (EU) No. 748/2012. Respondents strongly supported this, noting that the current system is familiar, internationally consistent and highly capable of integrating novel technologies while maintaining public confidence. No respondents completely disagreed with this approach, although some cautioned against over-regulating smaller aircraft under 600kg, which might possess different risk profiles.
Similarly, continuing airworthiness will fall under the established requirements of UK Regulation (EU) 1321/2014. This approach ensures that new vertical take-off and landing aircraft meet the same rigorous maintenance and safety standards as the wider aviation industry. The CAA will explore allowing pilot-owner maintenance for normal tasks, while restricting pilot maintenance on complex systems such as flight controls.
Pilot Licensing Developing a competent workforce is essential for the future of flight. The framework outlines a personnel licensing pathway that allows existing commercial pilot licence and airline transport pilot licence holders to secure a type rating for new vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The CAA will also create a pathway for private pilot licence holders to fly these aircraft non-commercially. At this stage, the CAA is not proposing an ab-initio training route for novice pilots. Instead, training will rely on operational suitability data established by manufacturers, offering a standardised, data-driven process for type ratings. Several consultation respondents suggested that competency-based training might be more effective than traditional flight-hour metrics given the advanced automation of these aircraft, and the CAA has committed to exploring these alternatives.
Flight Operations and Aerodromes For flight operations, the CAA intends to apply existing aeroplane and helicopter requirements equitably. However, bespoke updates are necessary for flight time limitations and energy management policies. Because vertical take-off and landing aircraft rely heavily on automated systems, the CAA acknowledges that pilot workload may differ from conventional flying, necessitating a review of single-pilot fatigue regulations. Furthermore, energy reserve requirements will be dictated by the specific landing mode used by the aircraft.
Finally, aerodrome regulations will align with the forthcoming heliport certification and safety management systems framework. The CAA plans to modernise the guidance to reflect the physical characteristics of powered-lift aircraft, such as downwash and outwash. The framework will also support the shared use of aerodromes and vertiports to reduce infrastructure costs and foster commercial viability, while maintaining pathways for commercial operations at unlicensed operating sites.
Further consultations will be conducted to refine the specific legislative text and detail, ensuring continuous alignment with international colleagues and mitigating the risk of market fragmentation. Once concluded, the CAA will deliver its final instructions to the Department for Transport to consider progressing these proposals into statutory instruments.
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| Volocopter presents the newly developed VoloXPro aircraft — an electrically powered ultralight multicopter. Target groups in Europe include flight schools, flying clubs, air sports enthusiasts, and sightseeing flight operators. Internationally, the VoloXPro is intended for use as an air taxi in professional passenger transport. Certification as an ultralight aircraft is planned for Germany at the end of 2026, alongside parallel approval processes in other European countries. The VoloXPro is a completely new development by Volocopter, based in Bruchsal (Baden-Württemberg). It promises emission-neutral and low-noise multicopter flying for a wide range of users and applications. Its innovative platform concept enables Volocopter to offer the VoloXPro in different technical configurations depending on the intended use and customer requirements. The VoloXPro features a modular design. It incorporates components already developed for the VoloCity, designed for air taxi operations as well as medical and police transport. This results in an exceptionally high safety structure comparable to the reliability of a commercial airliner. This extraordinarily high safety standard is new in Germany’s ultralight aircraft category. In addition to its high safety level, the modular design also allows Volocopter to achieve attractive pricing for operators and private individuals. The shared use of technical components between the VoloCity and VoloXPro, combined with ultralight certification, significantly reduces costs. TECHNOLOGY AND CONFIGURATION Thanks to its modular design, the VoloXPro enables numerous technical con- figurations and equipment variants — from single-stick control and cost-efficient minimalist cockpit options to high-end versions for professional operators. Air sports enthusiasts can assemble their multicopter from features such as a single-screen glass cockpit, assistance systems (e.g., collision warning), interior design elements, customizable exterior paintwork, fast charging, and various battery options. David Bausek – CTO Volocopter “With the ultralight VoloXPro, electric multicopter flying at the safety standard of a passenger aircraft — at the price of a luxury car — will become possible for private customers and commercial operators. Thanks to the fly-by-wire control system, flying is easier than ever before, and all of it is low-noise and emissions-free.” VoloXPro sets a new benchmark in powered‑lift pilot training, combining advanced flight‑assistance technology with aviation‑grade safety standards. Designed for both aspiring pilots and professional training organizations, it enhances situational awareness, reduces pilot workload, and delivers stable, repeatable flight performance. |
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A System Built for Real-Time Response
At the recent Motorola Solutions Summit 2026, DRONELIFE had the opportunity to sit down with Chief Deputy Larry Knight of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Knight has been instrumental in bringing new technology into his department, from real-time crime center operations to drones deployed as first responders. For the department, the focus is not on adopting technology for its own sake, but on how those tools can improve response and decision-making in the field.
In Ouachita Parish, that approach is already reshaping daily operations.
The Call Comes In
A call hits dispatch. It could be a vehicle burglary, a suspicious person, or a report tied to a license plate reader hit.
In many departments, that call would trigger a standard response. Officers would head to the scene with limited information, relying on radio updates along the way.
In this department, the response begins differently. Inside the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC), operators immediately begin building a live picture using Motorola Solutions Command Central, Camera feeds come online. Data is pulled from multiple sources. And in some cases, the parish’s first DFR drone – a BRINC system – launches automatically.
The Drone Arrives First
The department operates a Drone as First Responder (DFR) model, with systems that can be set to respond automatically to certain calls or deployed manually to a specific address.
In many cases, the drone arrives before deputies. That early aerial view changes the equation.
From the RTCC, and even inside patrol vehicles, officers can see what is happening in real time. Instead of driving into uncertainty, they approach with context.
Knight, a veteran officer himself, says it’s a game changer for the deputies responding to a situation. “I would have given anything to know what was going on before I got there when I was in that car,” Knight said.
Now, deputies often have that advantage.
From Information to Action
The value of the drone is not just speed. It is what happens next.
As the drone streams video, RTCC personnel begin interpreting what they see. Many of those operators are retired deputies or civilians with law enforcement experience: people trained to recognize subtle details that matter.
“It’s so different seeing everything from overhead,” Knight explained.
That perspective requires a different kind of training. Operators must translate aerial imagery into actionable guidance. They direct deputies on the ground, helping them approach safely and efficiently.
In some cases, drones are tied directly to license plate reader alerts or moving vehicles. The drone can track a suspect in real time, while the RTCC coordinates units on the ground.
The Moment the Drone Changes the Outcome
It’s a safety tool, it’s an officer backup tool: but the impact becomes clearest in real-world cases.
During a series of vehicle burglaries in West Monroe, deputies had partial information about a suspect, his usual operation, and his vehicle. Instead of waiting for another report or posting officers in parking lots along the suspect’s usual route, they used a drone to monitor the area.
In only a few days, the drone located the suspect’s vehicle. At that point, operators were able to observe him committing a burglary and handling stolen items. Officers went to the scene and arrested the suspect, ending a frustrating stream of burglaries.
“We wouldn’t have been able to do that without drones,” Knight said.
This is the shift: drones are not just documenting events. They are enabling intervention.
Integration Makes the Difference
For Knight, the biggest change over the past decade is not just the technology itself, but how seamlessly it fits into operations.
Twelve years ago, he was the department’s first drone pilot. Flying required constant manual control, and crashes were common. Today, systems are easier to operate, more stable, and far more capable. “It’s crazy that you can look at a car half a mile away and zoom in on the license plate,” he said.
Just as important, drones are now fully integrated into the broader response system. RTCC staff can deploy them quickly, focus them on specific areas, and support deputies in real time.
Designed for Safety: For Officers and the Public
At the core of the program is safety, supported by transparency.
“We want to make these deputies’ jobs easier and safer. If they are safer it makes the public safer,” Knight said.
Drone flights are always tied to calls for service, and the department has been open with the community about how and why drones are used. Residents can review flight paths and understand the purpose behind deployments.
So far, that approach has helped build support for a program that is still new.
Ouachita Parish includes both urban centers and rural terrain shaped by bayous, rivers, and lakes. With a population of about 160,000, the department is continuing to evaluate where additional DFR drones and stations will have the greatest impact.
The goal is consistent: reduce response time, improve awareness, and support deputies wherever they are needed.
A New Kind of First Response
In this model, the drone is not a standalone tool. It is part of a coordinated system that begins working the moment a call comes in.
By the time deputies arrive, the situation is no longer unknown. It has already been observed, analyzed, and, often, understood.
And in that shift, the role of the drone becomes clear. Not just faster response. Better decisions.
For Ouachita Parish, being on the front lines of new technology is how they will keep their team safe and ensure their department is well prepared for whatever comes next. “We want to leave it better for the next team,” Knight said.
Read more:
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to DroneLife here.
It was an ambitious endeavor: Transform a pioneering idea into dynamic reality in a matter of months. The U.S. government, international allies and commercial and civil markets had been trying to tackle a growing problem: how to stop rogue and enemy drones.
A forward-thinking team at Northrop Grumman had an answer: AiON, a revolutionary, cost-effective and proven counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) command and control platform. AiON — pronounced “eye-on” and inspired by the Greek word “aeon” meaning vital force and eternity — affordably counters threats from unmanned systems, ones that continue to proliferate air spaces worldwide, threatening defense installations, critical infrastructure, major events and even human life. Acting as a shield in the sky, AiON protects against enemy and rogue drones that can carry deadly payloads, jam signals, carry out surveillance and smuggle contraband.
This is more than a military defense application problem — it addresses civilian needs including protection of critical infrastructure, municipalities and the public. We’re pushing the art of the possible; the sky is the limit, and AiON is protecting it.
— John Myers
AiON’s team lead, Northrop Grumman
Herculean Efforts in Record Time
To hit the deadline of a kinetic testing event hosted by a U.S. government research and development agency that was scheduled for fall 2025, a group of engineers joined forces to adapt Northrop Grumman’s advanced command and control technology for drone warfare and bring it to life.
More than 70 employees nationwide make up the team, from engineers to business development professionals to contract specialists across the company. They engineered AiON — which is multi-use and can be employed for defense, civil and commercial purposes — for versatility. Designed to operate anywhere, from the cloud to the tactical edge, the command and control system enables a single operator to manage multiple sites from a single location and connect with more than 40 sensors and 45 effectors. With traditional systems often siloed, our innovative, flexible approach gives customers more options to tailor systems to various threats, missions, locations and rules of engagement.
“At its core, AiON simplifies complex counter-drone operations, making them faster, more efficient and manageable for the user. Its purpose-built design allows connection to any system on the market,” said Paul Cano, a field engineer.
The Shoot Off
In just four months, the team took AiON from an idea to shooting down drones at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, during an inaugural live fire test.
“Our team was up early as the winds whipped up the desert sand and dust,” said Kevin Lee, a cyber systems engineer. “We were first in line and set the bar against the competition as we hit 100% of our targets. It was remarkable to see our designs go from the computer and simulations to a real live, explosive test.”
At Yuma, AiON successfully demonstrated the use of advanced decision aids and operator-supervised autonomous engagements. The platform showcased its state-of-the-art technology by detecting, tracking, identifying and neutralizing both simulated and real targets during four engagements with perfect precision and efficiency.
Limitless
Following the program’s decisive performance, AiON is now available for sole source procurement by all U.S. defense agencies, opening new domestic and international possibilities.
As a shield in the sky, there are no limits for AiON. Its success at Yuma and significant global interest demonstrates the program’s bright future as the team works to push the envelope of what’s possible.
“There’s a great deal of opportunity ahead. I couldn’t have asked for a team with more determination and tenacity,” said John Myers, AiON’s team lead. “This is more than a military defense application problem — it addresses civilian needs including protection of critical infrastructure, municipalities and the public. We’re pushing the art of the possible; the sky is the limit, and AiON is protecting it.”
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However, I’m still a bit miffed that my old haunt from the 80s—63 Squadron—has been transitioned into the RAF Regiment. Seeing the change earns a bit of a “mutter and grumble” from me.
The story so far needs a place to live for future reference. I think this is a fairly comprehensive list. Do let me know if I missed any.
The RAF Regiment’s role in counter-drone operations is a modern extension of its historical mandate to provide low-level air defence for RAF airfields. The core of this capability lies with 34 Squadron RAF Regiment, which was formed at RAF Yatesbury on 19 November 1951. The squadron initially provided close air defence using 40mm Bofors guns during the Suez Canal Crisis and later in Cyprus during the EOKA terrorist campaign. During the cold war, it converted to a light armoured role using Scorpion combat vehicles before returning to ground-based air defence.
The defining shift in the squadron’s history occurred in the summer of 2022, when 34 Squadron officially re-roled as a dedicated counter-uncrewed aircraft system unit. Today, alongside 63 Squadron RAF Regiment and the 609 Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment, it forms the No 2 Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Wing based at RAF Leeming. Operating under the Global Enablement and Combat Readiness Force commands, the wing is currently the only fixed-site counter-drone capability for UK defence.
The counter-drone arsenal: detect, disrupt, and destroy
The RAF’s counter-drone scheme is built upon a layered detect, disrupt, and destroy methodology, designed to preserve air operations and protect infrastructure. The equipment encompasses several highly integrated technologies.
ORCUS: Emerging from the Defence Equipment and Support’s Project Synergia, ORCUS is the UK military’s specific configuration of Leonardo’s Falcon Shield. Designed to defeat low, slow, and small threats, the modular system fuses 3D multi-mode surveillance radar with radio frequency direction finding. For visual confirmation, it employs the NERIO-ULR gyro-stabilised turret, which features high-definition daytime and thermal cameras to provide positive identification at extreme ranges.
NINJA: Developed by the US Air Force Research Laboratory and integrated into ORCUS by Leonardo, NINJA provides a surgical cyber effect. It electronically takes command of a hostile drone by hijacking its radio frequency links, allowing RAF operators to safely land the rogue drone for forensic exploitation.
Guardian: Acting as a long-range electronic sniper rifle, the Leonardo Guardian system provides an additional electronic warfare layer by jamming a drone’s command and control or GPS navigation links.
Rapid Sentry: When electronic soft-kills are insufficient against autonomous or swarming drones, the RAF relies on Rapid Sentry. This kinetic system fires the Lightweight Multirole Missile manufactured by Thales UK. Capable of speeds above Mach 1.5, the laser beam-riding missile can destroy fast-moving aerial threats at ranges exceeding 6km.
Shadow ISTAR: In complex environments, the ground-based sensors are reinforced by Shadow R1 and R2 reconnaissance aircraft, which use advanced electro-optical and electronic intelligence suites from high altitude to track drones back to their operators on the ground.
Timeline of deployments (2018 to 2026)
The RAF’s counter-drone framework has evolved rapidly from domestic civil-contingency support to a high-readiness expeditionary combat force.
December 2018: The RAF deployed an early Leonardo predecessor to the ORCUS system to locate drones. Shortly afterwards, the system was deployed to London Heathrow Airport.
June 2021: ORCUS systems, operated by the RAF Regiment, were deployed to the G7 summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall.
August 2021: The integration of the US NINJA technology into the ORCUS system was successfully evaluated at the RAF Spadeadam electronic warfare range in Cumbria.
Summer 2022: The counter-drone framework was activated as a national standby capability to monitor airspace during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
November 2024: US Air Force bases in the UK, specifically RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell. The Combat Readiness Force deployed approximately 60 personnel with the ORCUS system. They were supported by Shadow ISTAR aircraft from RAF Waddington and US F-15E Strike Eagles.
October 2025: The threat expanded into hybrid warfare against NATO allies. A specialist team from No 2 Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Wing deployed to Copenhagen, Denmark, at the Danish government’s request, securing two major European summits.
November 2025: An RAF detachment deployed to Belgium to protect sensitive sites, including airports in Brussels and Liege, and military bases such as Kleine-Brogel.
February to March 2026: The mission transitioned into active kinetic combat. Following an Iranian-made Shahed-type drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, the RAF deployed the Rapid Sentry system to the region. On the night of 23 to 24 March 2026, RAF Regiment gunners executed the most effective defensive action to date against persistent one-way attack drones. During this period, four gunners achieved historic drone ace status by successfully shooting down five or more hostile drones.
April 2026: Amidst escalating conflict in the Middle East, the UK deployed the Rapid Sentry system to Kuwait. The deployment aimed to defend critical national infrastructure, including an oil refinery at Mina al-Ahmadi and a vital water desalination plant, following deliberate drone and missile strikes by Iran.
This is the wrong Squadron 151, but same airfield. Lundy Island where just beyond Hawks made circles in the sky with target banners behind them.
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As planning ramps up for the FIFA World Cup 2026, security agencies are preparing for one of the most complex public safety environments ever staged across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
A new white paper from the Center for Internet Security (CIS) titled Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): Evolving Risks to Large-Scale Public Gatherings. describes the challenge. Developed with DroneSec and public safety partners including the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), the Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Units (LEIU), the Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association (SRLEEA), the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4), the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), DRONERESPONDERS, and Aerisq Solutions, the paper outlines how drones are reshaping risk at large-scale events. The report makes clear that while traditional security focuses on ground threats, airspace is now a critical vulnerability.
“FIFA World Cup 2026… faces heightened UAS threat exposure across multiple domains from a broad spectrum of actors,” says the paper.
Below are six key takeaways shaping how agencies are approaching drone risk at major events.
1) The Threat Is Already Here, Not Emerging
“The proliferation of commercially available UAS technology has created a viable, diverse, and rapidly evolving threat for large-scale public gatherings.”
Commercial drones are now widely available, capable, and easy to operate. The barrier to misuse has dropped sharply, making drone-related incidents a current reality, not a future concern.
2) Battlefield Tactics Are Spreading Fast
“The wars in Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, and the broader Middle East have served as proving grounds for drone warfare innovation.”
Techniques developed in conflict zones are now documented, shared, and adapted globally. This creates a fast-moving threat environment where tactics evolve outside traditional military channels.
3) Disruption, Not Destruction, Is the Most Likely Scenario
“The most probable UAS threat scenario for a large-scale event does not require a weaponized platform.”
Even a single unauthorized drone can delay matches, trigger evacuations, or create crowd panic. Operational disruption may be more likely than direct attack.
4) Detection Technology Has Critical Gaps
“Detection technologies… continue to face limitations.”
False positives, dense urban environments, and difficulty identifying operator intent make it hard to distinguish harmless drones from real threats in real time.
5) New Drone Types Can Evade Existing Defenses
“This wired connection completely bypasses the RF spectrum, rendering the entire category of RF-based detection and jamming countermeasures ineffective.”
Emerging systems like fiber-optic controlled drones can defeat many current counter-UAS tools, forcing a rethink of detection strategies.
6) Open-Air Crowds Are the Weakest Link
“Fan zones… present fundamentally different security challenges: open airspace, limited physical perimeter to control, dense crowds… and minimal existing security infrastructure.”
While stadiums benefit from layered security, surrounding areas like fan zones and transit hubs may be more exposed to drone activity.
Bottom Line
There’s a lot more to unpack, but the CIS report underscores a clear shift: drones are now part of the operational environment for major events. For the World Cup and other major events, success will depend not only on technology, but on coordination, awareness, and the ability to manage risks that come from above as much as from the ground.
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FORT BRAGG, N.C., Picogrid today announced a contract to support the XVIII Airborne Corps as it advances the Army’s modernization efforts, enabling more flexible, integrated use of battlefield systems. Through this work, Picogrid will allow units to rapidly integrate new battlefield systems faster in the field, with a focus on counter-unmanned aerial systems.
The contract is centered on a broader operational challenge facing the Army: as more sensors, autonomous systems, and software from various vendors enter the field, the Army needs a practical way to make these siloed systems work together without long integration timelines or custom engineering for every new capability.
Under the contract, Picogrid will deploy Legion and Expeditionary Command and Control Nodes to directly address this challenge. Together, these solutions will integrate disparate sensors, response systems, and mission software into a shared operational picture, even in environments where connectivity is limited. This work will support rapid onboarding of new technologies, data sharing across different networks, coordination across multiple systems, and continued experimentation with forward-deployed units.
The effort supports work through the Army’s Joint Innovation Outpost, or JIOP, which focuses on moving new capabilities into operational use quickly. For XVIII Airborne Corps, that need is especially acute. As the Army’s global response force, the unit is ready to deploy anywhere in the world on short notice and operates in conditions where systems need to work together immediately.
The award builds on Picogrid’s work supporting prior Army exercises, including Scarlet Dragon at Fort Bragg, where Picogrid orchestrated multiple sensor systems with supported detection, tracking, and sensor-to-sensor cueing workflows. These efforts demonstrated how units can integrate data from multiple systems and coordinate follow-on actions.
“As the Army fields more sensors, autonomous systems, and software, the bottleneck is no longer access to technology. It’s getting those systems to work together fast enough to matter,” said Jake Jeffries, Head of Deployments, Picogrid. “This effort is about giving units a common foundation they can use to bring new capabilities online in weeks, not months, while still working with the systems they already have.”
“For a formation that deploys on short notice, speed of integration matters just as much as the capability itself,” said CW3 Jennings of the XVIII Airborne Corps. “What we need is a system our soldiers can learn quickly, use in the field, and rely on to pull together sensors, decision-making, and response options into one workflow.”
As the pace of fielding continues to increase, the contract reflects a wider shift in Army modernization. The priority is not just acquiring new systems, but making sure they can be integrated, understood, and employed together under real operational conditions.
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WISPR Systems, a U.S.-based manufacturer of secure unmanned aircraft systems, announced today that its SkyScout 2+ has been approved for inclusion on the Blue UAS list, reinforcing the platform’s readiness for deployment across federal, public safety, and regulated commercial operations. The Defense Contract Management Agency’s (DCMA) Blue UAS Cleared List evaluates unmanned aircraft systems for cybersecurity, supply chain security, and operational integrity.
Blue UAS approval reflects rigorous evaluation of the platform’s cybersecurity safeguards, supply chain integrity, system architecture, and operational reliability. Inclusion on the list streamlines federal procurement while providing infrastructure, utility, and enterprise operators added assurance that SkyScout 2+ meets stringent security and compliance standards.
“Blue UAS approval removes a significant barrier for federal and public safety agencies that need secure, NDAA-compliant systems they can deploy immediately,” said John McArthur, Chief Revenue Officer at WISPR Systems. “With SkyScout 2+, agencies don’t have to compromise between cybersecurity assurance and field performance. This designation accelerates procurement and reinforces our commitment to building mission-ready platforms in the United States.”
Operators no longer have to choose between compliance and performance. This platform provides both.
Built for Secure, Reliable Deployment:
SkyScout 2+ was engineered with compliance and operational resilience at its core. The platform incorporates AES-256 encrypted communications, vetted domestically sourced components, hardened system architecture, and secure U.S.-based design, assembly, and lifecycle support.
This foundation enables trusted deployment for federally funded programs, public safety missions, infrastructure inspection, and other regulated environments.
Performance Without Compromise:
Beyond its compliance architecture, SkyScout 2+ delivers field-ready performance across demanding operational environments. The platform features long-range obstacle detection with precision terrain following, EMI protection for high-interference operations, and intelligent power and thermal management for sustained missions in extreme conditions. Its WISPR SkyBoss
controller provides AES-256 encrypted transmission, IP55 protection, and extended runtime.
Strengthening Procurement Confidence:
Blue UAS inclusion streamlines federal procurement and supports organizations that must meet NDAA and cybersecurity compliance standards. The SkyScout 2+ is available now through WISPR Systems and authorized distributors.
For more information,
visit: https://wisprsystems.com/compliance/ + https://wisprsystems.com/skyscout2/
About WISPR Systems:
WISPR Systems designs and manufactures American-made drone technology built for secure, reliable operations across federal, public safety, infrastructure, energy, transportation, and enterprise sectors.
Founded in 2016 in Batesville, Mississippi, the company developed a platform that allows operators to maintain compliance while optimizing performance.
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