This week’s drone news
This week is all about strategic alliances: Archer Aviation enters the components business, while IonQ and Heven AeroTech revolutionize navigation. Plus: Not everything is “Made in America” at Blue UAS?
Numbers of the week
– 50 systems: Initial order from the UAE for the new Omen drone with Archer propulsion.
– 28.7 percent: Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the C-UAS market through 2029.
– 10 days: Duration of the new USSOCOM training course for drone personnel
– $5,000,000: Value of the new order for DroneShield
Archer Aviation supplies propulsion systems to Anduril and EDGE
November 17, 2025 – Archer Aviation completes a strategic shift from pure eVTOL manufacturer to supplier. The company announced that it will sell its electric propulsion system, originally developed for the “Midnight” air taxi, to third parties. The first customers are Anduril Industries and the EDGE Group from the United Arab Emirates. The technology will be used in the new “Omen” drone, an autonomous “tail-sitting” aircraft in Group 3. The UAE has already ordered 50 systems.
Source: https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/archer-powertrain-edge-anduril-omen-uav/
C-UAS market grows to $2.3 billion
November 20, 2025 – The market for drone detection and defense (C-UAS) is poised for massive growth. A recent report estimates the global market volume for 2024 at $659.4 million and forecasts an increase to $2.3 billion by 2029. This corresponds to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.7 percent. The main drivers are military procurement, which accounted for almost 79 percent of demand in 2024, and the increasing protection of critical infrastructure.
“Made in America” or not? Chinese parts in “Blue UAS”
November 20, 2025 – An investigation reveals that drones on the Pentagon’s “Blue UAS” list – which are explicitly considered safe and free of Chinese technology – may still contain components from China. According to DefenseScoop, there are loopholes for certain components such as motors and magnets. This raises questions about the actual independence of the US supply chain and could lead to stricter checks on manufacturers who use the “Made in America” label for government contracts.
Source: https://defensescoop.com/2025/11/20/dod-drones-blue-uas-list-chinese-parts-motors/
IonQ and Heven AeroTech launch quantum drones
November 24, 2025 – Quantum computing specialist IonQ and drone developer Heven AeroTech have formed a partnership to integrate quantum technology into unmanned systems. The focus is on quantum sensors that will enable precise navigation and communication in GPS-denied environments. Heven AeroTech’s hydrogen-powered heavy-lift drones will serve as the carrier platform. The technology is primarily aimed at defense and intelligence applications where resilience to jamming is critical.
Source: https://ionq.com/news/ionq-and-heven-aerotech-partner-to-develop-quantum-enabled-drones-for
DroneShield receives $5 million order
November 25, 2025 – Australian-American C-UAS specialist DroneShield reports another success in Europe. An existing NATO partner has placed a follow-up order worth $5.2 million (approx. €4.95 million). Handheld drone defense systems will be delivered. The order will be paid for in the fourth quarter of 2025. This is already the twelfth order from this specific reseller, bringing the cumulative volume to over $70 million.
Source: https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/droneshield-secures-european-military-contract
