As part of an innovative programme in Australia, a UAV began trials in New South Wales this week to help lifesavers spot predatory sharks in coastal waters.
There were 14 shark attacks in New South Wales last year, with bull sharks, tiger sharks and great whites blamed for these. The state government sees UAVs as a way to step up monitoring to prevent such attacks.
The trial is being undertaken by Surf Lifesaving Australia, which is sponsored and funded by Westpac. Branded Little Ripper, the UAV emblazoned in Westpac livery is a modified Pulse Aerospace Vapor 55 from the US.
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As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
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