News updates on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) including latest the drone technology and use in conflicts around the world. An executive summary, key events and developments, and curated articles are provided in this article.

Executive Summary

July’s drone developments reflected a widening shift from experimentation toward operational deployment. U.S. forces employed one-way attack surface vessels in combat for the first time, while the Pentagon established a centralized office to accelerate unmanned-system development and acquisition. Ukraine expanded its deep-strike campaign against Russian energy and commercial logistics infrastructure, and Iran continued using inexpensive drones to impose costly defensive demands across the Middle East. Meanwhile, new U.S. and British programs emphasized heavy lift, maritime launch platforms, autonomy, and the rapid procurement of affordable systems.

Curated Articles

The topics listed below are presented with descriptions and with links to the online article.

• SOCOM is Looking for a Small but Long-Range OWA Drone
• U.S. Uses Kamikaze Drone Boats in Iran War
• “Drones on a Boat” or SWAP
• DARPA Lift Challenge
• Ft. Rucker’s Advance Drone Course
• 2,000 Ukrainian drones to U.S.
• UK’s Defence Investment Plan and Drones