French automakers are entering drone production as governments look to build resilient manufacturing capacity for autonomous systems. (image copyright Thales, 2026) France's latest effort to expand domestic drone production may say less about drones than about factories. A series of partnerships announced this summer pairs major automotive companies with drone manufacturers, … [Read more...] about From Car Factories to Drone Factories: France’s Manufacturing Push Reflects a Global Shift
AUVSI Xponential
From The Floor of XPONENTIAL: AIRO and Jaunt Reveal Dual-Use VTOL Aircraft for Defense and Cargo Missions
Jaunt Air Mobility's autonomous slowed-rotor platform targets defense ISR, cargo logistics, and remote operations in two mission variants. AIRO Group Holdings has publicly unveiled its full-scale autonomous VTOL aircraft at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit. The Nasdaq-listed aerospace and defense company announced the reveal on May 12, 2026. The aircraft comes from AIRO's … [Read more...] about From The Floor of XPONENTIAL: AIRO and Jaunt Reveal Dual-Use VTOL Aircraft for Defense and Cargo Missions
RPX Technologies Lands Embir-3 Thermal Camera on Blue UAS Framework
The Stillwater, Oklahoma firm secures NDAA compliance and DIU listing for its compact thermal imaging payload aimed at unmanned aircraft and loitering munitions. RPX Technologies has added its Embir-3 thermal camera to the Blue UAS Framework. The Stillwater, Oklahoma-based company announced the listing on May 8, 2026. The camera is now available as a trusted thermal imaging … [Read more...] about RPX Technologies Lands Embir-3 Thermal Camera on Blue UAS Framework
Headed to XPONENTIAL 2026? Don’t Miss These Partners, Panels, and Dual-Use Innovations in Detroit
From May 11-14, the annual AUVSI Xponential conference will bring the global autonomous systems industry to Detroit. This year’s conference arrives at a moment when uncrewed systems, AI, advanced manufacturing, and resilient supply chains are becoming increasingly tied to both commercial and defense priorities. XPONENTIAL has steadily evolved into one of the leading showcases … [Read more...] about Headed to XPONENTIAL 2026? Don’t Miss These Partners, Panels, and Dual-Use Innovations in Detroit
FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau Discusses Regulatory Priorities at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025
FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau emphasized the agency’s commitment to balancing innovation with safety during a keynote fireside chat at the AUVSI XPONENTIAL conference, addressing critical updates on drone regulations, airspace modernization, and counter-UAS strategies. Rocheleau, a seasoned aviation leader who played a pivotal role in establishing the Transportation … [Read more...] about FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau Discusses Regulatory Priorities at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025
