Global Scans · Drones · Weekly Summary

• [New] Amazon Prime Air plans to launch drone delivery services in select U.S. cities by 2026, aiming to enhance last-mile logistics. 6wresearch
• [New] Uber and Zipline formed a strategic partnership to scale US drone delivery, targeting one million deliveries per day by the end of 2029, with first Uber Eats deployments later in 2026. Self Drive News
• [New] The Pentagon's JIATF-401 task force has named five domestic bases slated to receive directed-energy or high-powered microwave counter-drone systems within a 180-day window, with initial operations expected before the end of 2026. TheDefenseWatch.com
• [New] The Marine Corps and Army have moved to sole-source Anduril's Pulsar systems while DHS awarded Fortem a $1.011 billion counter-drone contract, concentrating acquisition risk in a narrow vendor base even as urgency justifies bypassing competition. Drone Warfare
• [New] Drone capabilities will change over the coming years, not decades, as a result of the convergence of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced robotics, nanotechnology, new battery chemistries, advanced materials, cybersecurity, edge computing, and autonomous systems. Forbes
• [New] Drone delivery systems are gaining traction in various commercial sectors globally, driven by the potential for cost-effective, efficient, and reliable delivery services, as well as regulatory frameworks that are increasingly supportive of drone operations. Precedence Research
• [New] Pesticides not registered for aerial application will still require a Health Canada approved label amendment before they may be applied by drone. Sigma Chambers
• The CAA will continue refining the ConOps through iterative testing, policy development, and stakeholder engagement to facilitate routine integrated BVLOS drone operations by 2027. / UK Murzilli Consulting
• The Drone Dominance Program is a $1 billion US Defense Department initiative intended to procure more than 200,000 drones for American forces by 2027. SOF News
• Over 2027, Wing and Walmart are expanding drone delivery to 270+ stores, with a view to building a coast to coast network in 2027, ultimately reaching over 10% of the US population. Retail Technology Innovation Hub
• Washington will no longer contribute destroyers or submarines, while tanker aircraft and armed drone supplies will also be affected. Ediciones EL PAIS S.L.
• NATO will launch a counter-drone marketplace so that allies can buy new technology at scale and fast. Business Insider
• On the US side, Ukrainian manufacturer F-Drones are establishing a production facility in Ohio through its US entity, tied to the Pentagon's $1 billion Drone Dominance Program targeting over 200,000 low-cost drones by 2027, with an initial prototype-stage contract for 2,000 FPV drones. Drone Warfare
• The U.S. military said it had targeted Iranian military assets and facilities, including drone storage and coastal surveillance sites, to diminish the threat to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. investing.com
• The EU and Ukraine signed a letter of intent that aims to establish joint drone and anti-drone production by the end of 2026 and joint anti-ballistic missile production by 2028, as well as broader support for defence manufacturing. CP24
• Israeli firm Axon Vision has unveiled a counter-drone system designed to tackle one of the fastest-growing battlefield threats: first-person view drones guided by fiber-optic cables that are largely immune to traditional electronic jamming. The Defense Post
• QatarEnergy declared force majeure on its entire LNG output after Iranian drone strikes knocked out 17% of its capacity at Ras Laffan, with repairs expected to take up to five years. Clintel

Last updated: 23 August 2026