The landscape of modern warfare is rapidly transforming, driven by advancements in autonomous defense systems. Recent developments from November 15 to December 15, 2025, highlight significant progress in technologies such as space-based surveillance, underwater drone swarms, air defense systems, and artificial intelligence (AI) integration. These innovations not only enhance operational efficiency but also provide robust countermeasures against evolving threats in contested environments.
Space-Based Surveillance: BAE Systems Leads the Charge
On December 10, 2025, BAE Systems’ FAST Labs secured a $16 million Phase 2 contract from DARPA to develop autonomous software for space-based surveillance. This initiative focuses on maintaining custody over terrestrial assets using advanced satellite constellations. The project emphasizes on-board processing capabilities that facilitate persistent surveillance, low-latency tracking, and real-time decision-making for warfighters.
The deployment will include tactical satellites and ground stations, leveraging high-fidelity simulations to improve operational readiness. With work being conducted at BAE’s facilities in Burlington, MA, and Merrimack, NH, this program aims to redefine the standards of battlefield surveillance.
Underwater Drone Swarms: A Strategic Partnership
In a noteworthy collaboration, Hanwha Group from South Korea and US startup Vatn Systems announced on December 10, 2025, their development of low-cost autonomous underwater drones (S6 model) for the US Navy. This partnership aims to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The S6 drones are designed as expendable, torpedo-shaped vehicles capable of conducting surveillance and strike missions. They can be operated by a single operator using the Android Tactical Assault Kit, supporting a range of payloads, including kinetic warheads and electronic warfare systems. These drones can be launched from various platforms, including shore-based installations, boats, submarines, and aircraft, showcasing their versatility in maritime operations.
Air Defense Innovations: Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 30
The Dutch Ministry of Defence has placed an order for a significant number of Skyranger 30 systems from Rheinmetall, which are set to enhance mobile air defense capabilities. The contract, valued in the high triple-digit million euros, is expected to deliver the systems by the end of 2028.
The Skyranger 30 is equipped with a 30mm x 173 KCE revolver cannon, advanced tracking radar, and optional surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). Its hybrid modular turret design allows for both mobile and stationary operations, making it effective in combating drone threats through the use of airburst ammunition. This positions Rheinmetall as a leader in gun-based air defense systems, integrating autonomous and networked operations for enhanced battlefield effectiveness.
AI Integration for Enhanced Military Operations
On December 10, 2025, Airbus Defence and Space announced a €50 million framework contract awarded by the French DGA to integrate AI into weapons, information, communications, and cybersecurity systems. This initiative focuses on optimizing maritime surveillance through AI data fusion from satellites, significantly improving the processing of vast sensor data collected from various platforms.
By enhancing capabilities in intelligence, cyber operations, and telecommunications, this program aims to ensure sovereignty in AI applications across military operations, leading to more informed decision-making and strategic advantages in real-time scenarios.
Next-Gen Combat Drones: Northrop Grumman’s Project Talon
Northrop Grumman unveiled Project Talon, a low-cost autonomous combat drone, aiming to support the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Increment 2 initiative. Developed in partnership with Scaled Composites, this drone is designed to operate alongside traditional fighter jets, enhancing their capabilities without significantly increasing operational costs.
Targeting its first flight by fall 2026, Project Talon represents a shift toward creating affordable large uncrewed aircraft that can seamlessly integrate into existing military frameworks. This strategic move follows the challenges faced by CCA Increment 1, emphasizing the importance of cost-effective solutions in modern combat aviation.
Naval Autonomy: Babcock’s ARMOR Platform
Babcock’s recent unveiling of the ARMOR platform on December 8, 2025, positions the UK Royal Navy for a future enriched with autonomous capabilities. This state-of-the-art platform aims to support next-generation autonomous systems, enhancing operational effectiveness in both underwater and surface domains.
Conclusion
The recent advancements in autonomous defense systems illustrate a clear trajectory toward integrating cutting-edge technology into military operations. As nations invest in AI-driven solutions, swarming technologies, and improved surveillance capabilities, the future of warfare appears more automated and data-driven than ever before. With the ongoing developments in autonomous underwater vehicles, air defense systems, and AI integration, military forces are reimagining their operational strategies to ensure superiority in an increasingly complex security landscape. The implications of these technologies will not only reshape defense strategies but also redefine the very nature of warfare in the decades to come.
References
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A New European UGV Blurs the Line Between Human, Autonomous … (thedefensepost.com) - 12/15/2025 The future of land operations is taking a new turn with Hector, a next-gen unmanned ground vehicle that blends autonomy, modularity and …
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APDR News in Brief 14 December 2025 (asiapacificdefencereporter.com) - 12/14/2025 Airbus to implement AI in French armed forces’ information systems: The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded Airbus Defence and …
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South Korea and the U.S. to Build Navy Underwater Drone Swarms … (www.armyrecognition.com) - 12/13/2025 According to Reuters on December 10, 2025, South Korea’s Hanwha Group and U.S. startup Vatn Systems agreed to jointly develop autonomous …
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Rheinmetall to supply Skyranger 30 to the Netherlands (www.rheinmetall.com) - 12/12/2025 12/12/2025 | Press release. Major order from the Netherlands: Rheinmetall to supply Skyranger 30 for mobile air defence – order value in the …
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BAE to Advance Autonomous Space-Based Surveillance Technolog (www.asdnews.com) - 12/10/2025 FAST Labs organization awarded $16 million contract for DARPA’s Oversight program.
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Airbus to include AI in French armies IT systems (www.airbus.com) - 12/10/2025 AIrbus will integrate artificial intelligence components into the weapons, information, communication and cybersecurity systems used by the …
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Project Talon: Northrop unveils new loyal wingman drone design (breakingdefense.com) - 12/4/2025 Project Talon is Northrop Grumman’s newly revealed loyal wingman drones, designed to fly along fighter jets into combat.
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Babcock’s ARMOR poised to deliver Royal Navy’s Autonomous … (www.navalnews.com) On December 8, 2025, Babcock has unveiled transformational plans to support the UK Royal Navy’s next generation autonomous ambitions.
