What's next for the Pentagon after the Replicator programme?
Although the Replicator initiative has made several accomplishments, there are still multiple gaps to plug across the US Department of Defense (DoD) and its services.
Laser Detect System (LDS) has unveiled a UAS-operated system designed to detect explosives, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other chemical compounds from standoff distances, called SpectroDrone.
The system uses a laser-based system to detect explosives and other hazardous materials in gas, liquid, powder or bulk form, at a distance of several metres from the threat. In addition to detecting, SpectroDrone can remotely analyse different materials in real time. It has an operational radius of up to 3km.
The system is currently being displayed at the HLS & Cyber Expo in Tel Aviv integrated on the Airobotics Optimus VTOL UAS.
In this configuration SpectroDrone automatically detects and analyses explosives materials and IEDs, hazardous compounds, and narcotics from a distance, in addition to its surveillance role, in order to enhance situational awareness and real-time response to emergency situations.
The SpectroDrone payload can also be mounted on UGVs and at fixed sites.
Although the Replicator initiative has made several accomplishments, there are still multiple gaps to plug across the US Department of Defense (DoD) and its services.
Cummings Aerospace presented its turbojet-powered Hellhound loitering munition at SOF Week 2025, offering a man-portable solution aligned with the US Army’s LASSO requirements.
PDW has revealed its Attritable Multirotor First Person View drone at SOF Week 2025, offering special operations forces a low-cost, rapidly deployable platform for strike and ISR missions, inspired by battlefield lessons from Ukraine.
Teledyne FLIR is highlighting the emerging requirements for 'recoverable and re-usable' loitering munitions across the contemporary operating environment during this week’s SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida.
High-performance maritime industry player Kraken Technology Group, based in the UK, has used the SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida this week to debut its K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel (USV) to the North American market.
Red Cat and Palladyne AI recently conducted a cross-platform collaborative flight involving three diverse heterogeneous drones.