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Robinson and Skyryse Collaborate to Convert R66 Helicopter into Autonomous Military Drone
Robinson Helicopter and Skyryse team up to develop an unmanned R66 helicopter equipped with SkyOS for defense missions including ISR and collaborative combat roles.
The gist
Robinson and Skyryse are converting the R66 helicopter into a Group 4 unmanned aircraft system for diverse military operations, integrating SkyOS autonomy technology.
Robinson Helicopter Company is transforming its enduring R66 model into an uncrewed aircraft system tailored for defense applications. This initiative is part of Robinson’s continued efforts to expand autonomous rotorcraft capabilities unveiled earlier this year. By retrofitting the R66 with cutting-edge autonomy software, Robinson aims to modernize the platform for evolving military mission profiles.
Partnering with Robinson's Unmanned unit, Skyryse brings its SkyOS flight operating system to the project. Skyryse markets SkyOS as a universal aviation control platform capable of simplifying operations across various aircraft types. This adaptable software suite is pivotal to enabling unmanned functionality in the R66, which traditionally relies on manual piloting.
The upgraded R66 will qualify as a Group 4 uncrewed aircraft system, a category typically referring to midsize UAS with substantial payload and range capabilities. This classification allows the aircraft to operate in complex military environments and perform advanced functions beyond simple reconnaissance roles. The collaboration between Robinson and Skyryse emphasizes integration with defense customers who require flexible and versatile aerial platforms.
Among the primary mission capabilities being developed are launching effects, conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks, and performing crewed-uncrewed teaming. The latter introduces collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) operations, where piloted helicopters and autonomous drones can effectively coordinate on the battlefield. This approach seeks to augment manned aviation assets with unmanned support to enhance operational efficiency and safety.
Robinson’s R66, originally designed as a light turbine helicopter, has been a reliable workhorse since its introduction. Modifying this proven airframe for autonomous missions leverages its established performance and maintenance pedigree. The introduction of SkyOS equips the helicopter with autonomous decision-making, navigation, and flight control algorithms, eliminating the need for onboard pilots during missions.
Skyryse’s universal operating system aims to reduce complexity and increase reliability by standardizing the control interface across different platforms. This reduces training burdens and streamlines mission planning for operators managing mixed crews of manned and unmanned aircraft. The collaboration highlights a trend in defense aviation of retrofitting legacy platforms with autonomous capabilities rather than developing entirely new systems.
The R66 UAS is expected to expand the scope of unmanned rotary-wing applications for tasks including extended ISR coverage, rapid delivery of payloads, and possibly electronic warfare effects deployment. These capabilities address growing defense demands for adaptable aerial systems capable of operating in contested environments. The program also responds to military interest in scalable drone solutions that can integrate with legacy fleets.
This partnership strengthens the merging of aerospace manufacturing with software-driven autonomy innovation. Robinson’s expertise in rotorcraft production combined with Skyryse’s flight autonomy technology supports the development of next-generation unmanned helicopters that could meet diverse tactical requirements. The endeavor reflects the defense sector’s increasing adoption of modular, software-centric upgrades on established aircraft.
The project marks a notable step toward versatile crewed-uncrewed synergies in military aviation. By fielding an autonomous R66, defense operators gain access to an aircraft platform that can be remotely piloted or flown in tandem with human pilots in dynamic mission scenarios. This capability could redefine how rotary-wing assets contribute to intelligence gathering and combat support operations.
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Archer Aviation Acquires Boeing's Wisk, Insitu, and SkyGrid to Expand Aerospace AI Platform
Archer Aviation is set to acquire Boeing’s Wisk Aero, Insitu and SkyGrid subsidiaries. The deal aims to create an end-to-end physical AI platform for aerospace and defense. Boeing will also invest in Archer and form a strategic partnership. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(119); }); The companies announced definitive agreements on August 10, 2026. Archer will take ownership of the three Boeing units. Together, they combine decades of work in autonomy, electric vertical takeoff and landing ( eVTOL ) aircraft, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). This move adds a profitable defense business to Archer’s portfolio. Insitu alone generates more than $200 million in annual revenue and operates across 35 countries. The combined entities bring nearly two million flight hours of experience. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(127); }); Combining Autonomy Expertise with Archer’s AI Wisk, SkyGrid and Insitu have developed core autonomous flight technologies. These will integrate with Archer’s purpose-built AI foundation model, called ZEE. The result positions Archer to deliver solutions across commercial aerospace, defense and air traffic management. Wisk stands out as the only company to design, build and fly six generations of eVTOL aircraft. It has completed more than 1,700 flight tests over 16 years. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(128); }); Its team built advanced autonomy tools, including a next-generation flight-control computer, sensor suite and radar system. These support certification for both civil and potential defense uses. SkyGrid offers a ground-based, aircraft-agnostic air traffic management system. It creates a digital foundation for automated airspace. This enables safe integration, scalable automation and coordinated traffic management needed for wider aviation commercialization. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(129); }); Insitu pioneers uncrewed aircraft systems for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Its portfolio includes high-performance, cost-effective, resilient and VTOL-capable UAS plus AI-enabled software. Insitu has manufactured and fielded more than 3,500 UAS. Its technology supports the armed forces of 35 nations. The company maintains offices in the US, Australia, the UK and the UAE, with support networks worldwide. Leadership Views on the Partnership Archer Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein called the deal a watershed moment. “This is the next big step forward in becoming a diversified platform, rapidly growing our revenue base and bringing scale to our business,” he said. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(130); }); Boeing Vice President Brian Yutko, of Commercial Airplanes Product Development , described it as a win-win. “It allows Wisk, SkyGrid and Insitu to accelerate capability development and time to market while ensuring Boeing capitalizes on its investments in these technologies over the past two decades,” Yutko noted. He added that the transaction creates an industry leader in advanced aviation. Boeing looks forward to ongoing collaboration on innovation in aerospace, defense and autonomy. As part of the agreement, Boeing and Archer will share technology. Boeing keeps access to Wisk’s core autonomous flight technology for its current and next-generation commercial and defense aircraft. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(131); }); The stake in Archer also lets Boeing retain strategic upside while focusing investments on its core businesses. Photo Credit: Archer Aviation Transaction Timeline The deal remains subject to closing conditions. These include expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. It is expected to close by the end of 2026. Additional details appear in Archer’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Moelis & Company LLC serves as financial advisor to Archer, with Fenwick & West LLP as outside counsel. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC advises Boeing, and Mayer Brown LLP acts as its outside counsel. ezstandalone.cmd.push(function () { ezstandalone.showAds(132); }); This combination equips Archer to lead the next generation of aviation. It unites proven autonomy systems, airspace intelligence and a strong defense revenue base with its own AI and aircraft technologies. Archer aims to deliver innovative solutions across multiple markets. Boeing gains a focused path to advance its core work while sharing in the growth of physical AI applications.
Portuguese Air Force to Launch Operations with Tekever AR5 MALE Drones in September
The long-endurance platform can remain airborne for up to 20h with a 50kg sensor payload. The Portuguese air force will begin operations with Tekever AR5 medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) from next month, under a contract announced on 11 August. "Delivery of the systems and the achievement of initial operational capability [is] scheduled for this coming September," the company says. That will coincide with the completion of its delivery of an initial package of personnel training, it adds. The number of UAS covered by the deal has not been disclosed, but Tekever says it also includes the delivery of ground control station equipment and its Atlas mission system. The twin-engined AR5 can carry a mission and sensor payload weighing up to 50kg (110lb). "A second phase of training will take place in October, consolidating full operational readiness and the development of new skills among the operational teams," the Portuguese company says. Tekever cites expected operational tasks for the up-to-20h-endurance platform as including "maritime surveillance, security and defence missions", along with coastal and exclusive economic zone monitoring, and "public interest missions", such as providing support for firefighting and environmental protection operations. "This contract puts an autonomous capability developed and produced in Portugal to work in protecting our airspace and maritime capability," says Tekever director of strategic development Pedro Petiz. The Portuguese customer, meanwhile, notes that the new capability will "contribute to an air force that is better prepared to respond to present and future challenges". Lisbon's selection of the AR5 comes just weeks after the UK Ministry of Defence also picked the model to replace the Watchkeeper UAS operated by the British Army. Aircraft to be operated by the UK service will be produced at a Tekever factory in Swindon, Wiltshire, with the company expecting to make first deliveries before year-end.
Joby Aviation to acquire Resonant Sciences for $500M to boost defense capabilities
Joby Aviation announced on August 11, 2026, that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Resonant Sciences, a Dayton, Ohio-based defense technology company, for approximately $500 million. The deal gives the California eVTOL developer immediate scale in the defense sector through an already profitable business supporting active US national security programs. Founded in 2015, Resonant designs, manufactures and delivers radio frequency (RF) and mission systems for US national security customers and is a global leader in low-observability technologies, structures and subsystems. The roughly 250-person company also works in advanced sensing, electronic countermeasures, communications and autonomous systems. A profitable defense business Resonant generated more than $100 million in trailing-12-month revenue, up approximately 40% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA margins in the high teens. Bookings in the first half of 2026 were more than three times higher than in the same period of 2025, and backlog more than doubled year over year. Upon closing, Resonant will become Joby's dedicated defense business, continuing to operate under its own name and led by co-founder and CEO J. Micah North. Joby's existing defense initiatives, including the dual-use turbine-electric hybrid aircraft it has been developing with L3Harris since 2025, and its dual-use autonomy stack, will be folded into the new unit, while Joby's commercial organization keeps its focus on certifying and manufacturing its electric air taxi. Joby expands its Ohio footprint Resonant operates approximately 105,000 square feet across seven buildings in the Dayton area, with a further 125,000 square feet under construction, alongside facilities in Virginia, West Virginia, Michigan, Colorado and North Carolina. Combined with Joby's own manufacturing footprint in Ohio , the acquisition will give the companies close to one million square feet of manufacturing, integration and testing space in the Dayton region. JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, described the deal as pairing "Resonant's established capabilities with Joby's globally leading aircraft propulsion technologies." North said joining Joby gives his team "additional engineering depth, aircraft platforms, autonomy technology and production expertise." Joby plans to fund the acquisition with approximately $450 million in cash and $50 million in Joby common stock, with certain Resonant employee stockholders retaining an ongoing equity stake. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approval. Joby and Archer go defense shopping The announcement comes a day after Joby's closest rival made an almost identical move. Archer Aviation agreed to acquire Boeing's Wisk Aero, Insitu and SkyGrid subsidiaries on August 10, 2026, a deal built around Insitu, the profitable ScanEagle and Integrator drone maker that generates more than $200 million in annual revenue. Within 24 hours, both leading eVTOL developers had moved to buy their way into established, revenue-generating defense businesses rather than wait for their own military programs to mature.
Rocket Lab debuts GHOST containerized launch system with Alaska pads planned for 2027
Rocket Lab has unveiled a containerized launch system designed to fly its Electron and HASTE rockets from new locations, starting with a two-pad complex in Alaska in 2027. Announced on August 10, 2026 , GHOST (short for Global Hypersonic & Orbital Spaceport Technology) packages rockets, launch infrastructure, ground support equipment, and range control systems inside standard shipping containers. Rocket Lab said the modular system could be shipped worldwide to establish orbital or suborbital launch capacity for multi-launch campaigns and time-sensitive national security missions, a market it has already targeted with record-setting responsive launches for the US Space Force. Introducing GHOST. We've mastered the art of building launch sites. Now we're making them deployable worldwide. GHOST = Global Hypersonic & Orbital Spaceport Technology. A containerized, deployable launch site system that enables Electron and HASTE launches anywhere,… pic.twitter.com/6Za05Ov2Nn — Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) August 10, 2026 Two new pads planned at Kodiak The first GHOST installation will form Rocket Lab Launch Complex 4 at the Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska on Kodiak Island, where the company plans two pads for simultaneous or closely spaced launch operations. Rocket Lab expects the system's operational debut to be a suborbital launch from Alaska in 2027. The two Kodiak pads would expand Rocket Lab's network to six across two hemispheres. It operates Electron pads at Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand and Launch Complex 2 in Virginia, while Launch Complex 3 at the same Virginia spaceport is being prepared for the Neutron rocket. "We've been leading the field in small launch for missile defense and national security for years," founder and CEO Peter Beck said, presenting GHOST as a way to open new trajectories and give allied countries their own launch capacity without building a permanent spaceport. The company did not say how long activating GHOST at a new site takes or how much fixed infrastructure it requires. One system, two rockets GHOST supports both Electron, Rocket Lab's small orbital launch vehicle, and HASTE, its suborbital derivative built for hypersonic and missile defense testing. Because the two share much of their design and ground infrastructure, one installation could host satellite launches and test flights alike. HASTE uses Electron's carbon composite structure and Rutherford engines but swaps the orbital kick stage for one tailored to suborbital payload release. It can carry up to 700 kilograms (1,540 pounds) and deploy them at velocities of more than 7.5 kilometers per second, in configurations for air-breathing, boost-glide, and ballistic reentry payloads. The rocket first flew from Virginia in June 2023 and has since lofted payloads including Australia's DART AE scramjet demonstrator . Alaska buildout follows $266 million US Space Force award Rocket Lab did not identify the customer for GHOST's first mission, but the Alaska development follows a $266 million US Space Force contract awarded in July 2026. The agreement covers 12 suborbital launches, with options for six more, primarily from Kodiak. Rocket Lab called it the largest launch contract in its history and said the missions would support US missile defense development, a segment where it is also working with Raytheon on a space-based interceptor for Golden Dome. Rocket Lab is also establishing Rocket Lab Germany GmbH in Munich to support European satellite manufacturing and Electron and Neutron launch services, building on its acquisition of laser communications firm Mynaric.
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