DefenceTalkUSS George H.W. Bush (AT SEA): The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator (UCAS-D) completed its first ever carrier-based catapult launch from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) off the coast of Virginia today. “Today we saw a small, but significant pixel in the future picture of our Navy as we begin integration of unmanned […]https://www.defencetalk.com/x-47b-catapulted-from-us-navy-aircraft-carrier-47791/

DefenceTalkThe Navy’s X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator completed its first-ever arrested landing here May 4, another key step to mature the system for its historic carrier-based tests later this month. “Landing an unmanned aircraft on an aircraft carrier will be the greatest singular accomplishment for the UCAS demonstration and will serve as the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/x-47b-completes-key-milestone-as-it-prepares-for-carrier-tests-at-sea-47717/

DefenceTalkHelicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 became the first composite expeditionary helicopter squadron to include both the world’s most technologically advanced helicopter; the MH-60R Seahawk and the MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Take-off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV); during an establishment ceremony today on Naval Air Station North Island. As the Navy’s first operational […]https://www.defencetalk.com/navys-first-squadron-to-operate-manned-and-unmanned-aircraft-47696/

DefenceTalkThe German government wants to buy unmanned drones from the United States, or Israel, but the opposition does not see a necessity for these aircraft, which can be used as bomb-toting weapons, or for reconnaissance. Minister of Defense Thomas de Maizière, of Germany’s Christian Democratic Party (CDU), is quite clear about why the German Armed […]https://www.defencetalk.com/drones-for-the-german-military-stir-controversy-47674/

DefenceTalkThere was widespread coverage at the weekend of demonstrations outside RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire against the air base becoming the location for the control of the UK’s armed remotely-piloted Reaper aircraft (commonly known as drones) that operate in support of operations in Afghanistan. UK Reapers are piloted by highly trained professional military pilots who adhere […]https://www.defencetalk.com/role-of-drones-in-afghanistan-47646/

DefenceTalkSan Javier Air Base (Murcia) was selected to conduct the trials and demonstrate that satellite communications are suitable to operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPASs) and integrate them into civil airspace. The DeSIRE project (Demonstration of Satellites enabling the Insertion of RPAS in Europe) is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European […]https://www.defencetalk.com/esa-eda-flight-demo-on-remotely-piloted-aircraft-systems-insertion-into-civil-airspace-47620/

DefenceTalkAn unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attempted to violate Israeli airspace from the north at approximately 2 p.m. this afternoon. The UAV was tracked by IDF ground and aerial surveillance for the duration of its flight path as it attempted to approach Israel’s coast. Israel Air Force aircraft intercepted the UAV and successfully downed the target […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uav-attempted-to-infiltrate-israeli-airspace-47614/

DefenceTalkDefense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Monday cancelled a new combat medal for US troops who launch drone strikes or cyber attacks after a torrent of criticism from veterans and lawmakers. Hagel opted to scrap the new “Distinguished Warfare Medal” for a pin or device that could be added to existing medals to recognize service members […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-calls-off-new-medal-for-drone-cyber-warriors-47504/

DefenceTalkGermany is in talks with Israel to buy weaponized drones for its military that are seen as more technologically advanced than US ones, the weekly Der Spiegel reported. The news magazine’s Monday edition said the German defence ministry had already held two meetings with Israeli military officials, in November 2012 and February 2013, on the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/germany-looking-to-buy-weaponised-drones-from-israel-47468/

DefenceTalkWhen we think of drones we think of flying killing machines in Pakistan. But as the US tries to write rules for the technology, people are realizing that very different kinds of drones could change the way we live. Probably the best illustration of the vivid fears and awesome powers associated with drones was delivered […]https://www.defencetalk.com/game-of-drones-47299/