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Defence

↓ (W39 ‘26 · Sep 21–27)

Sunday, Sep 27

3 stories
01Yahoo2026-09-27

First for US Army: MH-47G Chinook helicopter refuels from autonomous barge at sea (opens in a new tab)

The U.S. Army achieved a first by successfully refueling an MH-47G Chinook helicopter from an autonomous barge at sea in September 2026. This milestone demonstrates the capability to extend helicopter operations using unmanned refueling platforms. The test highlights advancements in autonomous logistics and sustainment for military aviation. No additional technical or operational details were provided.

Also covered by 1 other source
02腾讯新闻2026-09-27

Iran claims to have seized another advanced US military underwater unmanned boat (opens in a new tab)

Iran claimed on September 27, 2026, to have seized another advanced U.S. military unmanned underwater vehicle. The report did not provide details on the location or circumstances of the incident. This follows previous assertions by Iran of capturing similar U.S. equipment. No independent verification of the claim was mentioned.

03Defence Industry Europe2026-09-27

Huntington Ingalls Industries says Odyssey software can link crewed warships and unmanned fleets when GPS and communications are disrupted (opens in a new tab)

Huntington Ingalls Industries announced its Odyssey software can connect crewed warships and unmanned fleets even when GPS and communications fail. The system aims to maintain operational coordination during disruptions. No technical details or performance results were provided in the announcement. The software is positioned as a solution for resilient naval operations.

Saturday, Sep 26

1 story
04Nice-Matin2026-09-26

Drones are now fully part of naval combat, says Naval Group CEO ahead of La Londe visit (opens in a new tab)

The CEO of Naval Group stated that drones are now fully integrated into naval combat. This announcement was made ahead of a visit to La Londe, highlighting the company’s focus on drones and autonomous systems. The shift reflects evolving naval strategies incorporating unmanned technologies. No specific details on applications or timelines were provided.

Friday, Sep 25

2 stories
05ThePrint2026-09-25

The war at the bottom of the sea is here. UK uncrewed vessel Excalibur shows its future (opens in a new tab)

The UK has introduced the uncrewed vessel *Excalibur*, signaling a shift toward autonomous underwater warfare. The system demonstrates advancements in unmanned maritime technology for future naval operations. Its deployment highlights growing military focus on undersea capabilities. The development reflects broader trends in modernizing defense strategies.

06UA.NEWS2026-09-25

US Navy launches second phase of MUSV project — Breaking Defense (opens in a new tab)

The U.S. Navy has initiated the second phase of its Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV) project. This phase focuses on advancing the development and testing of unmanned surface vessels. The project aims to enhance naval capabilities through autonomous systems. Further details on specific advancements or timelines were not provided.

Thursday, Sep 24

8 stories
07GreekReporter.com2026-09-24

Greek-Built Unmanned Vessel Takes Center Stage at World’s Largest Maritime Drone Exercise (opens in a new tab)

A Greek-built unmanned vessel was featured prominently at the world’s largest maritime drone exercise. The event showcased advancements in autonomous maritime technology. The vessel, developed in Greece, participated in demonstrations highlighting its capabilities. The exercise involved international collaboration in maritime drone operations.

08Planet.fr2026-09-24

France on verge of attack by Russian maritime drones? (opens in a new tab)

The article discusses concerns that France may face an imminent attack by Russian maritime drones. Published in 2026, it raises alarms about potential security threats from these unmanned naval systems. No specific evidence or details of an impending attack are provided in the text. The piece reflects growing tensions between France and Russia over maritime drone capabilities.

09ShiftDelete.Net2026-09-24

MKE PIRANA Unmanned Surface Vehicle hits target with direct hit at Denizkurdu 2026 (opens in a new tab)

The MKE PIRANA unmanned surface vehicle successfully struck its target with a direct hit during the Denizkurdu 2026 military exercise. The test demonstrated the system's precision and effectiveness in naval operations. The event took place as part of Turkey's defense technology advancements. No additional technical or operational details were provided.

Also covered by 1 other source
10L'Indépendant2026-09-24

War in Ukraine: Company recruits Formula 1 engineers for next-generation naval drones (opens in a new tab)

A Ukrainian company is recruiting Formula 1 engineers to develop next-generation naval drones amid the ongoing war. The firm claims these engineers provide a high-quality talent pool for advanced military technology. The move aims to enhance Ukraine’s drone capabilities for maritime operations. The report highlights the intersection of motorsport expertise and defense innovation.

11Baird Maritime2026-09-24

US firm begins construction of new medium unmanned vessels (opens in a new tab)

A U.S. company has started building new medium-sized unmanned vessels. The construction marks a step forward in developing autonomous maritime technology. No further details on specifications or timelines were provided. The project aims to expand unmanned naval capabilities.

12Breaking Defense2026-09-24

Navy launches Robotics and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center (opens in a new tab)

The U.S. Navy established the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center on September 24, 2026. This center aims to advance the integration and deployment of robotic and autonomous technologies in naval operations. Its focus will be on developing warfighting capabilities through innovation in unmanned and AI-driven systems. The initiative reflects the Navy’s push to modernize its fleet and enhance operational effectiveness.

Also covered by 2 other sources
13DefenseScoop2026-09-24

Navy prepares to add new sea drones and vendors to online marketplace (opens in a new tab)

The U.S. Navy plans to expand its online marketplace by adding new sea drones and vendors. This initiative aims to increase procurement options for unmanned maritime systems. The marketplace will streamline access to advanced technologies from multiple suppliers. The move is part of broader efforts to modernize naval capabilities.

14WLOX2026-09-24

Defense company SubSea Craft to begin production of autonomous boats at Port Bienville by Q2 2027 (opens in a new tab)

SubSea Craft, a defense company, will start manufacturing autonomous boats at Port Bienville in the second quarter of 2027. The production initiative marks a significant expansion into unmanned maritime technology. No additional details on boat specifications or contracts were provided. The project aims to enhance naval capabilities through automation.

Wednesday, Sep 23

5 stories
15Army Recognition2026-09-23

U.S. Navy Refuels Seahawk USV Drone from Destroyer to Extend Unmanned Missions Across the Pacific (opens in a new tab)

The U.S. Navy successfully refueled a Seahawk unmanned surface vessel (USV) drone from a destroyer, enabling extended unmanned missions across the Pacific. This operation demonstrates the Navy's capability to sustain long-duration autonomous operations. The refueling technique enhances the endurance and range of unmanned systems. The test supports broader efforts to integrate drones into naval operations.

16Mer et Marine2026-09-23

Autonomous defense vessels: DNV aims to dominate from Germany to India (opens in a new tab)

DNV is expanding its influence in autonomous defense vessels, targeting markets from Germany to India. The classification society aims to establish a dominant position in this emerging sector. The focus includes certifying and supporting the development of unmanned naval technologies. This initiative reflects growing global interest in maritime autonomy for defense applications.

17Business AM2026-09-23

Construction of autonomous ship H38 for US Navy to begin this autumn (opens in a new tab)

Construction of the autonomous ship H38 for the U.S. Navy will begin this autumn. The project marks a step toward integrating unmanned vessels into naval operations. No additional technical or operational details were provided in the announcement. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to modernize naval capabilities.

19The Jerusalem Post2026-09-23

Israel’s Navy is preparing for a future with robot-operated ships (opens in a new tab)

Israel’s Navy is advancing plans to integrate robot-operated ships into its fleet. The initiative aims to enhance operational capabilities and reduce risks to human personnel. Development focuses on autonomous systems for surveillance, defense, and logistical missions. No specific timeline or technical details were provided in the report.

Tuesday, Sep 22

5 stories
20GlobeNewswire2026-09-22

HII Expands Unmanned Production Facility by 25% to Meet Growing Global Maritime Demand (opens in a new tab)

HII announced a 25% expansion of its unmanned production facility to address rising global maritime demand. The move aims to increase capacity for manufacturing unmanned maritime systems. The expansion reflects growing industry needs for autonomous and remotely operated vessels. No specific timeline or additional operational details were provided.

Also covered by 1 other source
21Big News Network.com2026-09-22France 24

UK and US make first-ever torpedo test from uncrewed vessel (opens in a new tab)

The UK and US conducted the first-ever torpedo test launched from an uncrewed vessel in September 2026. The test marks a milestone in naval warfare technology, demonstrating the capability to deploy torpedoes without a crewed ship. No further details on the vessel type or test outcomes were provided. The development reflects advancements in autonomous maritime systems.

Also covered by 5 other sources
22搜狐网2026-09-22

Has China really not detected US unmanned boats? After 052D was photographed, three US mysteries raise doubts (opens in a new tab)

The article questions whether China has truly failed to detect U.S. unmanned boats, citing three suspicious points about U.S. military activities after a Chinese 052D destroyer was photographed. It suggests that the U.S. may be testing China’s surveillance capabilities or provoking responses. The piece raises doubts about the transparency and intentions behind U.S. naval operations in the region. No concrete evidence is provided beyond speculative observations.

23UA.NEWS2026-09-22

Ars Technica: Ukrainian naval drone sinks Russian kamikaze drone in Black Sea (opens in a new tab)

A Ukrainian naval drone sank a Russian kamikaze drone in the Black Sea in September 2026. The incident marks a rare direct engagement between unmanned maritime systems. No additional details on the attack's circumstances or aftermath were provided. The event was reported by UA.NEWS.

Also covered by 1 other source
24navy.mil2026-09-22

Navy Demonstrates Collaborative Autonomy Mission Planning for Future Combat Aircraft (opens in a new tab)

The U.S. Navy successfully demonstrated collaborative autonomy mission planning for future combat aircraft in September 2026. The system enables multiple unmanned and manned platforms to coordinate and adapt missions in real time. This advancement aims to enhance operational flexibility and decision-making in complex combat scenarios. The demonstration marks a step toward integrating autonomous systems into naval aviation.

Monday, Sep 21

6 stories
25Canadian Defence Review2026-09-21

Canadian Army Launches Six MINERVA Challenges as DND Seeks Autonomous Mine-Countermeasures Vessel (opens in a new tab)

The Canadian Army has initiated six MINERVA Challenges as part of the Department of National Defence’s (DND) effort to develop an autonomous mine-countermeasures vessel. These challenges aim to advance technology for detecting and neutralizing naval mines without human intervention. The project reflects Canada’s push to modernize its naval capabilities with unmanned systems. No specific timelines or technical details were provided in the announcement.

26boote-magazin.de2026-09-21

Faust V: Autonomous surveillance vessel for Croatia (opens in a new tab)

The Faust V is an autonomous surveillance vessel developed for use in Croatia. It is designed to perform monitoring and security tasks without human intervention. The project aims to enhance maritime surveillance capabilities in the region. Details about its specific features or deployment timeline are not provided.

27Taiwan Business TOPICS2026-09-21

Why Maritime Drones Are Crucial for Taiwan’s Security (opens in a new tab)

Maritime drones are increasingly vital for Taiwan’s security due to their ability to monitor and defend against potential threats in surrounding waters. These unmanned systems enhance surveillance, reduce risks to personnel, and provide cost-effective solutions for patrolling Taiwan’s extensive coastline. Their deployment strengthens Taiwan’s defensive capabilities amid rising regional tensions. The article highlights their strategic importance in maintaining maritime security.

28Small Wars Journal2026-09-21

Forging the Undersea Arsenal: How to Build the Autonomous Fleet the US Navy needs to Compete (opens in a new tab)

The article discusses strategies for the U.S. Navy to develop an autonomous undersea fleet to maintain competitive advantage. It emphasizes the need for rapid innovation, scalable production, and integration of unmanned systems. The focus is on leveraging advancements in robotics, AI, and modular design to enhance naval capabilities. The piece argues that such a fleet is critical for future maritime dominance.

29PRESS92026-09-21

Hanwha Ocean provides design for Thailand’s offshore patrol vessels and unmanned surface vessels under 43% offset trade (opens in a new tab)

Hanwha Ocean will supply design plans for Thailand’s offshore patrol vessels and unmanned surface vessels as part of a 43% offset trade agreement. The deal involves providing technical expertise for both manned and unmanned naval assets. This collaboration strengthens defense ties between South Korea and Thailand. The offset trade ensures a significant portion of the contract value is reinvested in Thailand.

30ExecutiveGov2026-09-21

Top 5 Navy UUV and USV Use Cases Driving 2026 Missions (opens in a new tab)

The U.S. Navy’s 2026 missions prioritize five key use cases for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and unmanned surface vessels (USVs). These include mine countermeasures, intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and payload delivery. UUVs and USVs are also being deployed for anti-submarine warfare and force protection. The focus is on enhancing autonomy, endurance, and operational flexibility in naval operations.

Still in the news

2 earlier stories

Stories first reported in an earlier week that got new coverage this week.

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