XTI Aerospace has announced that it will put its TriFan 600 program on hold as part of a strategic shift towards commercial drones. The company, which acquired Drone Nerds in recent months, expects to generate at least $160 million in revenue in 2026 and improve cash performance.
XTI Aerospace has acquired Drone Nerds, a leading US drone distributor, in a $40 million deal. Unusual Machines has also invested $25 million in XTI as part of the acquisition.
Textron Systems has been awarded a prototype agreement by the US Army under the LASSO program, marking another step in the Army's push to field portable loitering munitions. The Damocles loitering munition system will be delivered and demonstrated, with a focus on its VTOL-launched effect and autonomous search-and-strike capability.
LODD Autonomous has completed the first flight of Hili, a new hybrid VTOL cargo aircraft designed, built, and tested in Abu Dhabi. The milestone marks a significant step forward for the UAE's ambitions in autonomous aviation and advanced logistics.
The French Directorate General of Armament has ordered a new version of Airbus Helicopters' Aliaca drone system, which will feature vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in May 2026.
Emirates SkyCargo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with VTOL aircraft developer LODD Autonomous to explore next generation air cargo solutions. The partnership aims to validate the use of VTOL aircraft across Emirates' global network, with a view toward commercial deployment in regional and global markets.