US and UK military targeted for GPS-free navigation system for UAVs in contested environments
The capability was built with the intention of enabling operation in any weather and terrain. (Photo: Flare Bright)
The TACTERA software solution, produced by UK aerospace supplier Flare Bright, will be unveiled this week at the SOF Week 2025 exhibition in Tampa, Florida, as it targets potential interest in GPS-free navigation systems for drones deployed in contested environments from the US and UK militaries.
According to Flare Bright, the development of the capability has received resources from the UK Ministry of Defence and the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center (DEVCOM C5ISR). Both countries have already tested the system while it was being built.
Speaking to Shephard, Flare Bright CEO Kelvin Hamilton explained that TACTERA was engineered
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
-
USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026
The T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer for the US Air Force reaching Milestone C is the first step towards production for the first batch of 14 aircraft, with training expected to start by 2028.
-
“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era
European militaries face a new security landscape, with the proliferation of drones, theatre ballistic missiles and other threats boosting requirements for airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and related systems. For L3Harris, missionised business jets are central to meeting these needs, providing capability and flexibility in a cost-effective package.
-
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.