"AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Shephard Group
15 September 2026
Two new uncrewed aircraft concepts target very different US military requirements, from massed long-range strike to autonomous logistics. Shephard spoke with executives from Swarm Aero, Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs at this year’s AFA Air, Space and Cyber conference to learn more about their capabilities.
"AeroVironment’s Uncrewed Systems fly high with new contracts"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
26 July 2026
AeroVironment, a global producer of drones and loitering munitions, is having a successful month, with contracts announced for global customers, including the US Army and the armed forces of Greece and Germany.
" AeroVironment suma nuevos contratos para sus drones y municiones merodeadoras en EE.UU. y Europa"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
26 de Julio, 2026
AeroVironment, uno de los principales fabricantes mundiales de drones y municiones merodeadoras, está atravesando un mes exitoso, con nuevos contratos anunciados para clientes internacionales, entre ellos el Ejército de los Estados Unidos y las Fuerzas Armadas de Grecia y Alemania.
" ISR small UGVs: helping ground troops see what’s beyond "
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Future Warfare Magazine
8 July, 2026
Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1153/isr-small-ugvs-helping-ground-troops-see-what-rsquo-s-beyond
Two small uncrewed ground vehicles (sUGVs) have recently entered the market: Teledyne Flir Defense’s FIRSTLOOK 125 throwable reconnaissance robot and AeroVironment’s TOM 50RE robot for reconnaissance and explosive ordnance disposal. Both systems aim to fulfill the same demand: to provide ground units, especially dismounted troops, with reconnaissance capabilities.
"US missiles and munitions stockpiles: Still robust and still deadly"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
13 May, 2026
The US military has had an eventful 12 months, with several military operations keeping all services busy. The recent war in Iran tested the offensive and defensive capabilities of US troops, platforms, and installations, and there were concerns that US military stockpiles of missiles and other munitions are strained and depleted. While worries and preparations for worst-case scenarios are valid, the situation is not as bad as it seems. The successful hit of Iranian maritime targets by US ground-based munitions during the recent Operation Epic Fury highlights that US missiles and other munitions maintain their deadly accuracy, even in new environments.
"Las reservas de misiles y municiones de las Fuerzas Armadas de EE.UU.: aún sólidas y letales"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
13 May, 2026
Las Fuerzas Armadas de Estados Unidos han tenido unos 12 meses intensos, con varias operaciones militares que han mantenido ocupados a todos los servicios. La reciente guerra en Irán puso a prueba las capacidades ofensivas y defensivas de las tropas, plataformas e instalaciones estadounidenses, y surgieron preocupaciones sobre el desgaste y la disminución de las reservas de misiles y otras municiones. Si bien las inquietudes y los preparativos ante escenarios extremos son válidos, la situación no es tan grave como parece. El exitoso ataque a objetivos marítimos iraníes mediante municiones terrestres estadounidenses durante la reciente Operación Epic Fury demuestra que los misiles y otras municiones de EE.UU. mantienen su letal precisión, incluso en nuevos entornos.
" SAS 2026: New technologies to support the fleet "
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Future Warfare
28 April 2026
Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1044/sas-2026-new-technologies-to-support-the-fleet
The development of major naval technologies, such as warships and submarines, tends to dominate the news cycle. However, niche technologies are just as important for helping the fleet operate effectively. FW MAG spoke with several defense companies prior to and during the recent Sea Air Space (SAS) summit outside Washington, DC, about new systems and contracts for high-tech technology to support the US Navy.
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" SAS 2026: Partnerships announced to develop Uncrewed Maritime Systems "
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Future Warfare Magazine
27 April, 2026
Two major defense partnerships to develop uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) were announced during the recently concluded Sea Air Space expo, held at the National Harbor outside of Washington, DC. Hanwha USA will team up with Magnet Defense, while Anduril is teaming up with Kraken, HD Hyundai, and Edison Chouest Offshore.
The first announcement came from Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense. The two companies will team up to manufacture an 11.5 m (38-foot) medium uncrewed surface vessel (MUSV).
"Lockheed limbo in Lima? Firm says Peru is buying F-16s, but questions remain"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Breaking Defense
24 April, 2026
Peru's interim president indicated the deal was on hold, as the US Embassy in Lima insists at least part of it has already been signed.
WASHINGTON — Lockheed Martin has claimed victory in a longstanding competition to sell fighter jets to Peru, though senior officials in Lima appear to be at odds with each other over the fate of the deal.
Lockheed “welcomes the Government of Peru’s announcement to purchase 12 new F-16 Block 70 aircraft to modernize the nation’s fighter fleet and strengthen its national defense capabilities,” the American aerospace giant said in a press release on Thursday.
" SAS 2026: BlackSea Tech unveils new COMET USV "
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Future Warfare Magazine
24 April, 2026
Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1035/sas-2026-blacksea-tech-unveils-new-comet-usv
At the Sea Air Space expo in Washington, D.C., BlackSea Technologies unveiled its new COMET Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV). Additionally, the company showcased Gen II of its Global Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) called the CHASER, a small USV (sUSV). BlackSea spokesperson Jason Salata spoke with FW MAG at SAS about how modularity makes both systems ideal for a variety of missions, as many of their systems are already field- and combat-tested.
COMET is a large USV with multiple capabilities. The USV is 13.1 meters (43 feet) long, with a max speed of over 45 knots and the capability to carry 4,535 kg (10,000 pounds) in payload. At SAS, the platform displayed had two HELLFIRE missiles, two M-9X SIDEWINDER missiles, a Leonardo DRS RADA radar system, and even a second payload bay for a gun system. “The missile capability makes COMET ideal for air defense missions,” Salata told FW MAG.
" SAS 2026: Saildrone unveils new SPECTRE USV "
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Future Warfare Magazine
21 April, 2026
Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1026/sas-2026-saildrone-unveils-new-spectre-usv
At the Sea Air Space (SAS) expo outside Washington, DC, Saildrone unveiled the design of its brand-new SPECTRE uncrewed surface vessel (USV). FW MAG attended a media briefing with Saildrone at SAS on Monday, 20 April, to learn more about SPECTRE.
" SAS 2026: Airbus successfully tests H145 autonomous helicopter "
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Future Warfare Magazine
20 April 2026
Published: https://www.fw-mag.com/shownews/1020/sas-2026-airbus-successfully-tests-h145-autonomous-helicopter
Airbus US Space and Defense announced on 15 April the fourth autonomous flight test of an H145 helicopter. Prior to the Sea Air Space expo, which will take place at the National Harbor, close to Washington, DC, on 20-22 April, FW MAG spoke with Carl Forsling, Senior Director for Strategy and Business Development at Airbus, about this new test and how the company’s autonomous rotary-wing aircraft can assist the US armed forces, particularly the Marines.
"Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Shephard
1 April, 2026
Amphibious operations are a very unique type of military operation, and global defence industries are developing new solutions to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
Thousands of US Marines from the 11th and 31st Expeditionary Units are currently en route to the Middle East aboard US warships, in addition to the 82nd Airborne Division. It is believed there is a strong possibility that the US government could carry out a ground operation in Iran, including Kharg Island, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
6 March, 2026
"FIDAE 2026: L3Harris presentará el sistema de guerra electrónica Viper Shield para equipar a los F-16 de las Fuerzas Aéreas sudamericanas"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
6 de Marzo del 2026
"Textron presenta el MMUSV mientras la Armada de EE. UU. anuncia una nueva estrategia para la adopción de sistemas no tripulados"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
12 de Febrero del 2026
"Textron unveils MMUSV as US Navy announces new strategy"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
12 February 2026
Published: https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2026/02/12/textron-unveils-mmusv-as-us-navy-announces-new-strategy/
"GDLS y AeroVironment desarrollan el lanzador PERCH, Argentina debería tomar nota para sus VCBR 8×8 Stryker"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
20 de Diciembre, 2025
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) y AeroVironment han desarrollado conjuntamente el sistema Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed (PERCH). En síntesis, PERCH es un lanzador para las municiones merodeadoras Switchblade 300 y Switchblade 600 de AeroVironment, diseñado para los tanques de batalla principales M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 y los vehículos de combate blindado a rueda (VCBR) 8×8 Stryker. En América Latina, el Ejército Argentino opera el Stryker, por lo que Zona Militar dialogó con Mark Hu, gerente de Desarrollo de Negocios en Estados Unidos de GDLS, sobre por qué Buenos Aires debería interesarse en PERCH.
"GDLS and AeroVironment develop PERCH launcher, Argentina should take notice"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
20 December, 2025
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and AeroVironment have co-developed the Precision Effects & Reconnaissance, Canister-Housed (PERCH) system. To summarize, PERCH is a launcher for AeroVironment’s Switchblade 300 and Switchblade 600 loitering munitions designed for the M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 main battle tanks and Stryker infantry carrier vehicles. In Latin America, Argentina’s Army operates the Stryker, so Zona Militar spoke with Mark Hu, Manager, U.S. Business Development at GDLS, about why Buenos Aires should be interested in PERCH.
"Thales evolves Land Live Training simulator by adding drone capabilities"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
15 December, 2025
Thales has unveiled a new version of its Land Live Training (LLT) simulator. This more evolved system has one important novelty: drones can now be integrated into the simulator to enhance training and monitoring. Zona Militar spoke with Bruno Delacourte, Strategy, Marketing, and Product Policy Director at Thales, about this new system.
"Thales evoluciona su simulador Land Live Training al incorporar capacidades con drones"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
15 de Diciembre, 2025
Thales ha presentado una nueva versión de su simulador Land Live Training (LLT). Este sistema, más evolucionado, incorpora una novedad importante: ahora es posible integrar drones en el simulador para mejorar el entrenamiento y la supervisión. Zona Militar conversó con Bruno Delacourte, Director de Estrategia, Marketing y Política de Producto de Thales, sobre este nuevo sistema.
"Airbus avanza en el desarrollo del nuevo drone logístico VTOL MQ-72C para equipar al Cuerpo de Marines de EE.UU."
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
15 de Noviembre, 2025
La empresa de defensa Airbus está desarrollando el nuevo MQ-72C Logistics Connector para el Cuerpo de Marines de los Estados Unidos (USMC). En resumen, el Logistics Connector es un dron helicóptero: un sistema aéreo no tripulado (UAS) autónomo de despegue y aterrizaje vertical (VTOL) capaz de transportar grandes cantidades de carga; esta capacidad puede ser invaluable para fuerzas armadas que necesiten trasladar equipo a entornos disputados o a áreas donde las operaciones de abastecimiento por tierra resultan difíciles. Zona Militar habló con Carl Forsling, gerente sénior de Desarrollo Comercial de Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, sobre el futuro de este programa y por qué las fuerzas armadas latinoamericanas deberían prestarle atención.
"Airbus advances in the development of the new MQ-72C VTOL logistics drone to equip the U.S. Marine Corps"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
15 November, 2025
The defense company Airbus is developing a MQ-72C Logistics Connector for the US Marine Corps (USMC). To summarize, the Logistics Connector is a helicopter drone: an autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial system (UAS) capable of carrying significant quantities of cargo; this capability can be invaluable for militaries that want to transport equipment to contested environments or areas where supplying operations by land are challenging. Zona Militar spoke with Carl Forsling Senior Business Development Manager for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, about the future of this program and why Latin American militaries should take notice.
"Analysis: South American domestic drone programmes fly high"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Shephard
12 November, 2025
Armed forces across the globe are increasingly interested in uncrewed aerial systems (UASs) due to their ability to support a variety of missions: combat, reconnaissance and even disaster relief. South America is keeping up. Recent developments in the militaries and defence industries of Brazil and Colombia are examples of the current strong momentum, as many armed forces focus their efforts on locally produced drone options.
"AFA 2025: CUAS solutions demonstrate modularity and portability focus"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Shephard
Air Warfare
3 October, 2025
"Teledyne FLIR Defense presentó el SkyCarrier, un sistema de recuperación de drones al que las Fuerzas Armadas latinoamericanas deberían prestarle atención"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
3 de Octubre, 2025
En la reciente feria de defensa DSEI en Londres, la empresa Teledyne FLIR Defense presentó el sistema SkyCarrier, diseñado para el lanzamiento, control y recuperación de los sistemas aéreos no tripulados (UAS) SkyRaider y SkyRanger de Teledyne FLIR. Zona Militar mantuvo recientemente una conversación exclusiva con Rich Cunha, director de producto de UAS en Teledyne FLIR Defense, sobre las capacidades de este nuevo sistema portátil y por qué los ejércitos latinoamericanos deberían interesarse en esta tecnología.
"Teledyne FLIR Defense Unveils the SkyCarrier, a Drone Recovery System Latin American Armed Forces Should Take Note Of"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
3 October 2025
At the recent DSEI defense expo in London, the defense company Teledyne FLIR Defense launched the SkyCarrier system, designed for the launch, control and recovery of Teledyne FLIR’s SkyRaider and SkyRanger uncrewed aerial systems (UASs). Zona Militar recently had an exclusive conversation with Rich Cunha, UAS Product Director at Teledyne FLIR Defense, about the capabilities of this new portable system and why Latin American militaries should be interested in this new technology.
"RTX does not rule out equipping Latin American Navies and Armies with its Phalanx CIWS systems"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
21 September 2025
The defense company RTX announced on 8 September a US$205 million award from the US Navy for the continued production of the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). ZM spoke with RTX about the importance of this award and the company’s interest in supplying Phalanx to Latin American navies and armies.
The RTX spokesperson argued, “Latin American navies seeking to enhance their maritime security and protect critical assets can benefit from the Phalanx system.” The system features “advanced radar and gun technology, which provides rapid detection, tracking, and engagement of incoming threats,” the company told ZM, adding, “its ease of integration into existing platforms and minimal maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for navies operating in diverse and challenging environments.”
"RTX no descarta equipar a las Armadas y Ejércitos de América Latina con el sistema CIWS Phalanx"
Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
Zona Militar
21 de Septiembre 2025
La empresa de defensa RTX anunció el 8 de septiembre un contrato por US$205 millones con la Armada de los Estados Unidos para la producción continua del sistema de armas de corto alcance Phalanx (CIWS). Zona Militar conversó con RTX sobre la importancia de este contrato y el interés de la compañía en suministrar el Phalanx a armadas y ejércitos de América Latina.
Un portavoz de RTX señaló: “Las armadas latinoamericanas que busquen mejorar su seguridad marítima y proteger activos críticos pueden beneficiarse del sistema Phalanx”. El sistema incorpora “tecnología avanzada de radar y cañón, lo que permite la detección, seguimiento y enfrentamiento rápido de amenazas entrantes”, indicó la compañía a ZM, agregando que “su facilidad de integración en plataformas existentes y sus mínimos requerimientos de mantenimiento lo convierten en una opción ideal para armadas que operan en entornos diversos y exigentes”.
