Global Scans · Drones · Weekly Summary

• [New] Overnight and on Saturday as Russia continued to pound Ukraine with hundreds of drones as part of a stepped-up bombing campaign that has further dampened hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the more than three-year-old war. The Independent
• [New] Ukraine has increasingly employed drone and robotic technologies on the battlefield as part of its broader strategy to minimize troop losses and adapt to evolving threats along the front line during Russia's full-scale invasion. The Kyiv Independent
• [New] Putin's rapidly growing drone arsenal poses a direct threat to European security and would likely play a leading role in any future war with Russia. Atlantic Council
• [New] A recent Institute for the Study of War report assessed that both Ukraine and Russia have already begun to integrate AI into their drone capabilities in hopes to develop full AI-powered unmanned systems. Geopolitical Monitor
• [New] As Ukraine and Russia deploy AI-enabled drone technology, China, Iran, and North Korea will be watching, and learning. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• [New] As demand for drone deliveries is projected to expand across the EU, Vodafone has been conducting research into how its mobile network can support communication between multiple commercial drones to enable them to fly safely. iTWire
• [New] The use of drone swarms might necessitate a reevaluation of defence strategies among NATO allies, particularly concerning air defence systems and military logistics. County Local News
• [New] 40% of drone companies believe that agriculture and precision farming are anticipated to drive the largest demand for drones in India by 2030, following the defence sector. Daily Excelsior
• [New] Ukraine signed a memorandum on a long-term strategic partnership with US autonomous system engineering company Swift Beat, agreeing to produce hundreds of thousands of interceptor drones in 2025 that are capable of shooting down Russian Shahed drones and to expand production further in 2026. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] The use of drones in agriculture is expected to grow at an annual rate of over 30%, with Wisconsin leading the charge in adoption rates. The Farm - 1550 AM- 97.7 FM WHIT
• [New] Israeli and US air defences often intercepted Iranian drones and missiles over Syria before they could reach Israeli territory. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] As Pakistan continues to test new drones and missiles, many supported by Chinese funding or technology, India can expect an increase in grey zone warfare. Moneycontrol
• [New] In a worst-case scenario, Iran might even share nuclear technology with non-state partners, much as it has done with missiles and drones supplied to Yemen's Houthis - further destabilising an already fragile neighbourhood. Middle East Eye
• [New] Swift Beat will increase its production capacity, aiming to produce hundreds of thousands of drones for Ukraine in 2025, with plans to scale up production in 2026. The Kyiv Independent
• [New] France's use of drones has proven vital for monitoring vast, remote areas and responding rapidly to emerging threats. Springer Nature Switzerland
• [New] The integration of drones, primarily MALE systems like the MQ-9 Reaper, has enabled France to conduct targeted operations against terrorist leaders and disrupt militant networks while minimising the risk to ground troops. Springer Nature Switzerland
• [New] With technical and military support from allies such as China and Russia, the military will only increase its use of drones in its counter-offensive operations. Acled
• [New] Russia will likely leverage North Korean workers to drastically increase its drone production numbers, and North Korean workers will have the opportunity to learn and export valuable drone development, manufacture, and operation lessons. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] Iran might transfer part of its missile and drone production to Houthi-controlled areas after Israel struck production facilities. The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center
• [New] When drones crashed in Jordan and Iran threatened to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf states could only defend themselves by aligning with Israel and relying on American bases, apparently unable to assert their own role. Middle East Eye
• [New] The main increase will be in the commercial segment, where more activity of Russian manufacturers is expected and which will double to the current level - up to 40% of commercial drones sold in the Russian Federation will be of domestic production. TAdviser.ru
• [New] At the Drone Flying Experience, students will be exposed to drone technology that are commonly used in Singapore's context. BYKidO
• [New] As a larger number of Shahed drones are now reaching their targets, Ukrainian forces will need to adjust their tactics and counter-drone systems. Forbes

Last updated: 13 July 2025