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Ukrainian firms race to build faster interceptor drones to counter Russian jet-powered UAVs
General Cherry is developing a kinetic booster version of its Bullet interceptor targeting 450 km/h, with a planned release in fall 2026. Grim Tech is working on a jet-powered interceptor with a top speed of 500-700 km/h, targeting an October 2026 presentation.
US radar maker Echodyne mulls European production as counter-drone demand surges
Echodyne CEO Eben Frankenberg said at the MSPO defense show in Poland that the company is considering establishing a manufacturing presence in Europe to meet booming demand for miniaturized radars in the counter-drone market. Norway's Kongsberg has selected Echodyne's MESA radar for its remote weapon stations. In July 2026, Echodyne opened a $40 million facility in Washington state with an annual capacity of over 30,000 radar systems, which could serve as a blueprint for European expansion.
AeroVironment Posts Record Quarterly Revenue, Beats Estimates; 85% of Analysts Rate It a Buy
Defense drone and counter-drone systems maker AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) reported fiscal 2027 first-quarter (ended Aug. 1) results: record revenue of $480.5 million, up 6% year over year and above the $456.1 million consensus estimate; adjusted diluted EPS of $0.59, up 84% and well above the $0.25 forecast. The company maintained its full-year revenue guidance of $2.125 billion to $2.225 billion (midpoint growth of 10%) but expects adjusted diluted EPS of $3.16, down 4% at the midpoint, citing higher depreciation from planned facility expansion. As of September, 85% of analysts rate the stock a buy or strong buy, with none recommending sell.
Archer Aviation Acquires Boeing's Wisk Aero, SkyGrid, and Insitu to Expand Defense and Autonomous Flight Capabilities
Archer Aviation, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft company, acquired Boeing's Wisk Aero, SkyGrid, and Insitu in an all-stock deal on August 10. Wisk will enhance Archer's autonomous flight capabilities, SkyGrid provides an air traffic management solution for future automated airspace, and Insitu brings a profitable unmanned aircraft systems business generating roughly $200 million in annual revenue. Meanwhile, rival Joby Aviation announced on August 11 that it would acquire Resonant Sciences, a defense technology company. Both companies are advancing through the FAA's Type Certification process and conducting test flights under the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) across multiple U.S. states.
South Korea unveils record KRW 73.28 trillion defense budget amid North Korea threats and Trump alliance doubts
The budget, up 8.2% from last year, focuses on strengthening self-defense capabilities, with funding for the KF-21 fighter nearly tripling to KRW 3.3 trillion, and prepares for the transfer of wartime operational control from the US by 2029.
