Ukraine’s air defences battled an overnight Russian aerial attack on the capital Kyiv for five hours, officials said Thursday, as missiles and drones again hammered the Ukrainian power grid.

The attack injured at least two people, Ukraine’s Emergency Service said. A kindergarten, a gas pipe, and around 20 cars were damaged in the city, said the Kyiv Military Administration.

In western Ukraine, the air force said, Russia fired three Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles — one of Russia’s most advanced weapons — “in the direction of” Starokostiantyniv, a city in the Khmelnytskyi region, on Thursday morning. The air force said it could not make further information public, suggesting the missiles were aimed at a sensitive site.

Long-range strikes have been a hallmark of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, now deep in its third year, often hitting civilian areas. Attacks on the electricity network have knocked out around 70% of Ukraine’s energy generation capacity, according to the United Nations, bringing blackouts as winter approaches.

Air defence systems are a critical need for Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelensky was due to meet President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday in an effort to ensure continuing U.S. military support for his country.

Energy infrastructure was hit in Ukraine's western Ivano-Frankivsk region, causing a blackout in parts of the regional capital of the same name, regional Gov. Svitlana Onyshchuk said.

The power grid was also targeted in the southern Mykolaiv region, local authorities said without immediately providing further details.

Russia launched six missiles and 78 Shahed drones at Ukraine overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, Ukraine’s air force said. Defences destroyed four of the missiles and 66 drones in the air, it said.

In the south, a missile killed a 62-year-old woman in the Odesa region, where homes and cars were damaged, regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said.

In the city of Zaporizhzhia, at least 10 people were injured in the overnight attack, including a 14-year-old, said regional governor Ivan Fedorov. He published photographs of houses with their windows blown out and walls riddled with shrapnel. The Emergency Service said 12 residential buildings were damaged in the city and 18 people were evacuated.

Meanwhile, in the northeastern Sumy region, ordnance experts defused a 500-kilogramme (1,100-pound) glide bomb that landed without exploding next to a bridge over the River Psel.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

Ukraine’s air defences battled an overnight Russian aerial attack on the capital Kyiv for five hours, officials said Thursday, as missiles and drones again hammered the Ukrainian power grid.

Ukraine’s air defences battled an overnight Russian aerial attack on the capital Kyiv for five hours, officials said Thursday, as missiles and drones again hammered the Ukrainian power grid. The attack injured at least two people, Ukraine’s Emergency Service said. A kindergarten, a gas pipe, and around 20 cars were damaged in the city, said the Kyiv Military Administration. In western Ukraine, the air force said, Russia fired three Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles — one of Russia’s most advanced weapons — “in the direction of” Starokostiantyniv, a city in the Khmelnytskyi region, on Thursday morning. The air force said it could not make further information public, suggesting the missiles were aimed at a sensitive site. Long-range strikes have been a hallmark of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, now deep in its third year, often hitting civilian areas. Attacks on the electricity network have knocked out around 70% of Ukraine’s energy generation capacity, according to the United Nations, bringing blackouts as winter approaches. Air defence systems are a critical need for Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelensky was due to meet President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday in an effort to ensure continuing U.S. military support for his country. Energy infrastructure was hit in Ukraine's western Ivano-Frankivsk region, causing a blackout in parts of the regional capital of the same name, regional Gov. Svitlana Onyshchuk said. The power grid was also targeted in the southern Mykolaiv region, local authorities said without immediately providing further details. Russia launched six missiles and 78 Shahed drones at Ukraine overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, Ukraine’s air force said. Defences destroyed four of the missiles and 66 drones in the air, it said. In the south, a missile killed a 62-year-old woman in the Odesa region, where homes and cars were damaged, regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said. In the city of Zaporizhzhia, at least 10 people were injured in the overnight attack, including a 14-year-old, said regional governor Ivan Fedorov. He published photographs of houses with their windows blown out and walls riddled with shrapnel. The Emergency Service said 12 residential buildings were damaged in the city and 18 people were evacuated. Meanwhile, in the northeastern Sumy region, ordnance experts defused a 500-kilogramme (1,100-pound) glide bomb that landed without exploding next to a bridge over the River Psel. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russian missiles, drones target Ukrainian power grid in overnight attacks, say Ukraine’s officials

One of the leading companies in the technology sectors, HFCL, formerly known as Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited, has announced that it has entered into a major deal with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in providing some of the critical sub-systems for their advanced drone technologies. It should enable the addition of capabilities for HFCL in the aerospace business and directly comes in line with its strategy of innovative solutions as detailed in a report by the Press Trust of India. 

Capacities increased in aerospace<o:p></o:p>

The deal is one of the biggest in the company's journey so far as it enhances HFCL's technological capability way beyond telecommunications. The partnership will involve the provision of complex sub-systems which, coincidentally, happen to be at the 'heart' of the unmanned aerial systems of GA-ASI. Such a high-performance electronic system from HFCL would be well-poised and prepared to meet the demanding requirements of the aerospace industry.

It is part of this overall industry trend in the aerospace sector, where companies are seeking collaboration agreements with technology firms to enhance their operational effectiveness and innovation power. The quality and technological capabilities of HFCL would be crucial in delivering the product components that were needed.

Impact on Industry<o:p></o:p>

With this alliance, both companies can expect far-reaching positive impacts. The tie-up is a landmark event for HFCL as the venture not only diversifies its portfolio but opens even new revenue streams in defence and aerospace markets. Meanwhile, General Atomics derives prime benefit from cutting-edge technology adopted by HFCL that proves vital for maintaining competitive advantage in unmanned systems.

"Our selection by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Incorporated to develop critical sub-systems for the UAVs is a proud moment for us and reflects our unwavering commitment to the Make in India initiative. These drones, with their versatile applications, symbolise our resolve to contribute to the defence forces with cutting-edge technology," HFCL Managing Director Mahendra Nahata said.

In an increasingly global demand to apply drone technology, this partnership, therefore, puts the two companies strategically in a fast-changing market. With some imminent capabilities already identified, they will apply them extensively in various fields such as defence, surveillance, and logistics.

The agreement between HFCL and General Atomics marks a huge step forward for the integration of telecom technology into the aerospace domain. Together, the companies will be providing innovative solutions toward introducing major changes into the future of drone technology and all its applications around the globe. This is an excellent example of how shared effort leads the way toward technological advancement and grabs emerging market needs.

One of the leading companies in the technology sectors, HFCL, formerly known as Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited, has announced that it has entered into a major deal with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

One of the leading companies in the technology sectors, HFCL, formerly known as Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited, has announced that it has entered into a major deal with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in providing some of the critical sub-systems for their advanced drone technologies. It should enable the addition of capabilities for HFCL in the aerospace business and directly comes in line with its strategy of innovative solutions as detailed in a report by the Press Trust of India. Capacities increased in aerospace The deal is one of the biggest in the company's journey so far as it enhances HFCL's technological capability way beyond telecommunications. The partnership will involve the provision of complex sub-systems which, coincidentally, happen to be at the 'heart' of the unmanned aerial systems of GA-ASI. Such a high-performance electronic system from HFCL would be well-poised and prepared to meet the demanding requirements of the aerospace industry. It is part of this overall industry trend in the aerospace sector, where companies are seeking collaboration agreements with technology firms to enhance their operational effectiveness and innovation power. The quality and technological capabilities of HFCL would be crucial in delivering the product components that were needed. Impact on Industry With this alliance, both companies can expect far-reaching positive impacts. The tie-up is a landmark event for HFCL as the venture not only diversifies its portfolio but opens even new revenue streams in defence and aerospace markets. Meanwhile, General Atomics derives prime benefit from cutting-edge technology adopted by HFCL that proves vital for maintaining competitive advantage in unmanned systems. "Our selection by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Incorporated to develop critical sub-systems for the UAVs is a proud moment for us and reflects our unwavering commitment to the Make in India initiative. These drones, with their versatile applications, symbolise our resolve to contribute to the defence forces with cutting-edge technology," HFCL Managing Director Mahendra Nahata said. In an increasingly global demand to apply drone technology, this partnership, therefore, puts the two companies strategically in a fast-changing market. With some imminent capabilities already identified, they will apply them extensively in various fields such as defence, surveillance, and logistics. The agreement between HFCL and General Atomics marks a huge step forward for the integration of telecom technology into the aerospace domain. Together, the companies will be providing innovative solutions toward introducing major changes into the future of drone technology and all its applications around the globe. This is an excellent example of how shared effort leads the way toward technological advancement and grabs emerging market needs.

HFCL to supply critical drone sub-systems to General Atomics

New York City emergency management officials have come under scrutiny after drones used to inform residents about emergency weather conditions ended up speaking gibberish Spanish.&nbsp;

The officials had touted the high-tech drones as the superior alternative to the bullhorn, often used to inform about an emergency. However, the video of the drone hovering over NY neighbourhoods showed that the warning was delivered in perfect English via the loudspeakers mounted on the device but the listeners could hardly comprehend the Spanish.&nbsp;

“How is THAT the Spanish version? It’s almost incomprehensible,” one user posted on X, while another commented: “Any Spanish-speaking NYer would do better.”

Watch the video of the drones delivering warning in 'incomprehensible' Spanish:&nbsp;

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NYC Emergency Management just sent me a video of one of the drones warning residents about the storm and potential flooding. <a href="https://t.co/xNL3mzkCTF">pic.twitter.com/xNL3mzkCTF</a>
— Elizabeth Kim (@lizkimtweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/lizkimtweets/status/1820907800601751878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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After receiving flak online,&nbsp;Zach Iscol, the city’s emergency management commissioner, acknowledged the mistake, adding that it "shouldn't have happened".&nbsp;

"Thanks for flagging this. &nbsp;I’m very proud of the work our team has done preparing for this storm, but this shouldn’t have happened and we’re going to make sure it doesn’t happen again," Iscol posted on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;

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Thanks for flagging this. I’m very proud of the work our team has done preparing for this storm, but this shouldn’t have happened and we’re going to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
— Zach Iscol 🗽🍎 (@zachiscol) <a href="https://twitter.com/zachiscol/status/1820971525022830882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Afterwards, Iscol's agency explained that the problem was in the recording of the message, not the translation itself. The message was computer generated and went out in the flood-prone areas in four of the city’s five boroughs: Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-york-extreme-flooding-prompts-residents-to-evacuate-kills-one-613845">Watch |&nbsp;New York: Extreme flooding prompts residents to evacuate, kills one</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>Flash floods warning</h2>

Flash floods have been deadly for New York residents, especially those living in the basement apartments. 11 people died in such homes in 2021 due to incessant rain brought by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.&nbsp;

In September last year, a state of emergency was declared by&nbsp;Governor Kathy Hochul as the flash floods disrupted the subway system and turned many of the streets into small lakes.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-city-state-of-emergency-declared-as-strong-storms-bring-flash-flooding-641041">Also read |&nbsp;New York City: State of emergency declared as strong storms bring flash flooding</a>

According to data, approximately 18 million people in the New York metropolitan area and in other major cities along the East Coast were caught in extreme weather conditions as delivering warnings proved to be a difficult task.&nbsp;

Since then, the city has come up with flash flood warning drones. According to Iscol, NY City Mayor Eric Adams came up with the initial idea.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

New York City emergency management officials have come under scrutiny after drones used to inform residents about emergency weather conditions ended up speaking gibberish Spanish.

New York City emergency management officials have come under scrutiny after drones used to inform residents about emergency weather conditions ended up speaking gibberish Spanish. The officials had touted the high-tech drones as the superior alternative to the bullhorn, often used to inform about an emergency. However, the video of the drone hovering over NY neighbourhoods showed that the warning was delivered in perfect English via the loudspeakers mounted on the device but the listeners could hardly comprehend the Spanish. “How is THAT the Spanish version? It’s almost incomprehensible,” one user posted on X, while another commented: “Any Spanish-speaking NYer would do better.” Watch the video of the drones delivering warning in 'incomprehensible' Spanish: NYC Emergency Management just sent me a video of one of the drones warning residents about the storm and potential flooding. pic.twitter.com/xNL3mzkCTF — Elizabeth Kim (@lizkimtweets) August 6, 2024 × After receiving flak online, Zach Iscol, the city’s emergency management commissioner, acknowledged the mistake, adding that it "shouldn't have happened". "Thanks for flagging this. I’m very proud of the work our team has done preparing for this storm, but this shouldn’t have happened and we’re going to make sure it doesn’t happen again," Iscol posted on X (formerly Twitter). Thanks for flagging this. I’m very proud of the work our team has done preparing for this storm, but this shouldn’t have happened and we’re going to make sure it doesn’t happen again. — Zach Iscol 🗽🍎 (@zachiscol) August 6, 2024 × Afterwards, Iscol's agency explained that the problem was in the recording of the message, not the translation itself. The message was computer generated and went out in the flood-prone areas in four of the city’s five boroughs: Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island. Watch | New York: Extreme flooding prompts residents to evacuate, kills one × Flash floods warning Flash floods have been deadly for New York residents, especially those living in the basement apartments. 11 people died in such homes in 2021 due to incessant rain brought by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. In September last year, a state of emergency was declared by Governor Kathy Hochul as the flash floods disrupted the subway system and turned many of the streets into small lakes. Also read | New York City: State of emergency declared as strong storms bring flash flooding According to data, approximately 18 million people in the New York metropolitan area and in other major cities along the East Coast were caught in extreme weather conditions as delivering warnings proved to be a difficult task. Since then, the city has come up with flash flood warning drones. According to Iscol, NY City Mayor Eric Adams came up with the initial idea. (With inputs from agencies)

'How is that Spanish?': New York residents mock flood warning drones for speaking 'gibberish'

Ukrainian President Zelensky on Monday said that the country has contracted 1 million drones for this year and more drones will follow in total within the year. This comes as Ukraine is fighting the war against Russia with dwindling supplies.

Ukraine contracted a million drones, more to follow; says Zelensky

In the latest round of missile and drone attacks between the Russian and the Ukrainian side the Ukrainian troops fought off an assault on the capital city Kyiv. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Two cruise missiles and multiple drone attacks in Kyiv

On the towering peaks in Nepal an innovative solution is set to transform the way we tackle one of the world’s most daunting challenges; high-altitude garbage collection.

Drones to help pick up the heaps of trash on Everest

US forces in the Middle East have destroyed Houthi drones in Yemen in the past 24 hours, the military said Friday. Separately, forces with the U.S. Central Command destroyed three uncrewed Houthi surface vessels operating on the Yemeni coast, CENTCOM said.

US: Struck multiple Houthi drones across Yemen

South Korea is all set to introduce laser-based weapons in order to shoot down North Korean drones. This will make South Korea the first country to deploy and operate such weapons.

South Korea introduces laser-based drone counter-measure

South Korea will soon start using&nbsp;laser weapons like those in the Star Wars&nbsp;franchise&nbsp;to shoot down North Korean drones. The weapon will be deployed later this year. With this, South Korea&nbsp;will become the world's first country to deploy and operate such weapons in the military, said the country's arms procurement agency on Thursday (July 11).&nbsp;

Seoul has named its laser programme the "StarWars project".

<h2>StarWars project</h2>

Developed by the South Korean military in collaboration with&nbsp;Hanwha Aerospace, the&nbsp;drone-zapping laser weapons, as per Reuters,&nbsp;are being touted as effective and cheap. In a statement,&nbsp;the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) revealed that the laser is quiet and invisible, and&nbsp;one shot costs only&nbsp;2,000 won ($1.45).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senator-peter-welch-urges-biden-to-quit-2024-race-as-democrats-challenge-him-to-prove-re-election-viability-739787">Senator Peter Welch urges Biden to quit 2024 race, as Democrats challenge him to prove re-election viability</a>

DAPA called the weapons a "game changer," in the future battlefield and said:&nbsp;"Our country is becoming the first country in the world to deploy and operate laser weapons, and our military's response capabilities on North Korea's drone provocation will be further strengthened."

<h2>How does the "StarWars" laser work?</h2>

As per the DAPA spokesperson, the "StarWar" laser weapons will shoot down flying drones by obliterating or simply burning down engines or other electric equipment inside the drones. This would take around 10 to 20 seconds, and will be done using beams of light, explained the spokesperson&nbsp;at a briefing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-nearly-doubles-worlds-wind-solar-capacity-report-739784">China nearly doubles world's wind &amp; solar capacity: Report</a>

This comes months after North Korean drones crossed into South Korea. In December, five Pyongyang drones entered South Korean territory, prompting Seoul to&nbsp;scramble fighter jets and attack helicopters to try to shoot down the drones.

Even though the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, the two Koreas remain technically at war, separated by a heavily fortified border. However, as per Reuters, this drone intrusion was the first of its kind in over six years — since 2017.

According to the United States, over the years, both nations&nbsp;have violated the armistice that governs their shared border by sending drones into each other's airspace.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea will soon start using laser weapons like those in the Star Wars franchise to shoot down North Korean drones. The weapon will be deployed later this year.

South Korea will soon start using laser weapons like those in the Star Wars franchise to shoot down North Korean drones. The weapon will be deployed later this year. With this, South Korea will become the world's first country to deploy and operate such weapons in the military, said the country's arms procurement agency on Thursday (July 11). Seoul has named its laser programme the "StarWars project". StarWars project Developed by the South Korean military in collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace, the drone-zapping laser weapons, as per Reuters, are being touted as effective and cheap. In a statement, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) revealed that the laser is quiet and invisible, and one shot costs only 2,000 won ($1.45). Also read | Senator Peter Welch urges Biden to quit 2024 race, as Democrats challenge him to prove re-election viability DAPA called the weapons a "game changer," in the future battlefield and said: "Our country is becoming the first country in the world to deploy and operate laser weapons, and our military's response capabilities on North Korea's drone provocation will be further strengthened." How does the "StarWars" laser work? As per the DAPA spokesperson, the "StarWar" laser weapons will shoot down flying drones by obliterating or simply burning down engines or other electric equipment inside the drones. This would take around 10 to 20 seconds, and will be done using beams of light, explained the spokesperson at a briefing. Also read | China nearly doubles world's wind & solar capacity: Report This comes months after North Korean drones crossed into South Korea. In December, five Pyongyang drones entered South Korean territory, prompting Seoul to scramble fighter jets and attack helicopters to try to shoot down the drones. Even though the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, the two Koreas remain technically at war, separated by a heavily fortified border. However, as per Reuters, this drone intrusion was the first of its kind in over six years — since 2017. According to the United States, over the years, both nations have violated the armistice that governs their shared border by sending drones into each other's airspace. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea will use 'Star Wars' laser weapons to zap down North Korean drones

Ukraine accused Russia of blasting the main children's hospital in Kyiv with a missile in broad daylight. Russia rained missiles down on other cities across Ukraine, killing at least 41 civilians. Watch this video for all details.

Uproar after Russian missile attacks kill at least 41, hit children's hospital

The Chinese military has claimed that it has the capability to impose and maintain a blockade on an island, solely using drones. The claim has been made in a peer-reviewed paper in the&nbsp;Chinese academic journal Command Control &amp; Simulation, published last month.&nbsp;

According to Chen Huijie, an engineer with the&nbsp;92116 unit of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the project lead of the research, a simulation was run over an unnamed island with a narrow shape similar to Taiwan's terrain.

The objective of the mission was to form a blockade and control the island which had been&nbsp;fortified with a large number of air defence missile launchers, while hostile warships and submarines prowled the surrounding waters.

For the blockade, the PLA used four types of drones. The first batch of large and medium-sized drones with&nbsp;reconnaissance-and-attack capabilities were launched from mainland Chinese military bases. Their objective was to operate in all-weathers, detect and identify the mobile threats while eliminating them.&nbsp;

The second batch of small composite-wing&nbsp;reconnaissance drones and&nbsp;anti-radiation patrol drones were deployed by the PLA naval vessels. Their duty was to conduct close observation of concealed targets and eliminate enemy radars.&nbsp;

Citing the benefit of using the drones, Chen's team wrote,&nbsp;"Unmanned equipment offers advantages including expendability, low cost and minimal casualties. Integrating unmanned clusters into a systematic war is anticipated to speed up the reconnaissance, identification, decision-making and attack cycles, consequently boosting overall combat efficacy.”

The report added that once the "scale and diversity of drone formations" reached a certain threshold, the military could effectively control the island and its surrounding waters by suppressing the island's armed forces whilst simultaneously thwarting external aid.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;US-China war over Taiwan? Xi Jinping demands 'modern system for military governance' | Details

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-china-war-over-taiwan-xi-jinping-demands-modern-system-for-military-governance-details-623039/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-carrier-killers-look-all-set-to-give-pla-vessels-a-bloody-nose-736842">Also read |&nbsp;Taiwan’s ‘carrier killers’ look all set to give PLA vessels a bloody nose</a>

The release of the paper comes in the backdrop of the US military last month revealing its modus operandi of using swarms of drones in the Taiwan Strait in the case of a potential conflict. The strategy dubbed "Hellscape" is intended to stop the PLA troops from landing on Taiwanese land without having to put US soldiers on the forward line.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I want to turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape,” Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of US Indo-Pacific Command, told The Washington Post in an interview published on June 10.

China claims self-ruled democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and under its top leader Xi Jinping, it has not renounced the use of force to bring the island under control.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chinese military has claimed that it has the capability to impose and maintain a blockade on an island, solely using drones. The claim has been made in a peer-reviewed paper in the Chinese academic journal Command Control & Simulation, published last month.

The Chinese military has claimed that it has the capability to impose and maintain a blockade on an island, solely using drones. The claim has been made in a peer-reviewed paper in the Chinese academic journal Command Control & Simulation, published last month. According to Chen Huijie, an engineer with the 92116 unit of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the project lead of the research, a simulation was run over an unnamed island with a narrow shape similar to Taiwan's terrain. The objective of the mission was to form a blockade and control the island which had been fortified with a large number of air defence missile launchers, while hostile warships and submarines prowled the surrounding waters. For the blockade, the PLA used four types of drones. The first batch of large and medium-sized drones with reconnaissance-and-attack capabilities were launched from mainland Chinese military bases. Their objective was to operate in all-weathers, detect and identify the mobile threats while eliminating them. The second batch of small composite-wing reconnaissance drones and anti-radiation patrol drones were deployed by the PLA naval vessels. Their duty was to conduct close observation of concealed targets and eliminate enemy radars. Citing the benefit of using the drones, Chen's team wrote, "Unmanned equipment offers advantages including expendability, low cost and minimal casualties. Integrating unmanned clusters into a systematic war is anticipated to speed up the reconnaissance, identification, decision-making and attack cycles, consequently boosting overall combat efficacy.” The report added that once the "scale and diversity of drone formations" reached a certain threshold, the military could effectively control the island and its surrounding waters by suppressing the island's armed forces whilst simultaneously thwarting external aid. Also watch | US-China war over Taiwan? Xi Jinping demands 'modern system for military governance' | Details Also read | Taiwan’s ‘carrier killers’ look all set to give PLA vessels a bloody nose The release of the paper comes in the backdrop of the US military last month revealing its modus operandi of using swarms of drones in the Taiwan Strait in the case of a potential conflict. The strategy dubbed "Hellscape" is intended to stop the PLA troops from landing on Taiwanese land without having to put US soldiers on the forward line. “I want to turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape,” Admiral Samuel Paparo, head of US Indo-Pacific Command, told The Washington Post in an interview published on June 10. China claims self-ruled democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and under its top leader Xi Jinping, it has not renounced the use of force to bring the island under control. (With inputs from agencies)

China plans to use drones to blockade Taiwan after US unveils 'Hellscape' strategy

State-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) announced early on Thursday it signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Turkish companies to "support the localisation of defence industries" in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia-Turkiye to boost defence ties

Yemen's Armed Forces published footage of the Navy's new marine drone boat, which targeted the Transworld Navigator vessel for its violation of the ban on ships headed to "Israel".

Yemen unveils homegrown USV with high destructive capability

The Indian Army has received the first batch of man-portable suicide drones named Nagastra-1, as per a media report. The drones are capable of accurately striking enemy training camps, launch pads&nbsp;and infiltrators, hence minimising risk to soldiers.&nbsp;

The high-tech drones are designed and developed completely in India by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries, Nagpur. As per a report by the Economic Times, the drones have an indigenous content of over 75 per cent.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/special-iaf-aircraft-carrying-mortal-remains-of-indian-victims-kuwait-blaze-on-its-way-to-indias-kochi-731569">Special IAF aircraft carrying mortal remains of Indian victims in Kuwait blaze lands in Kochi</a>

The addition of these drones will enhance the capability of the Indian Army to execute shallow strikes across the border when necessary. Drones like Nagastra-1 with in-built warheads are known as kamikaze or exploding drones.&nbsp;

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The first indigenous Loitering Munition, Nagastra–1, developed by Solar Industries, Nagpur, has been delivered to the Indian Army. The Indian Army has placed an order to Solar Induatries’ Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL) to supply 480 Loiter Munitions under Emergency Procurement… <a href="https://t.co/ClHofB7EOE">pic.twitter.com/ClHofB7EOE</a>
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The Indian Army placed an order of 480 such drones to EEL, out of which 120 Nagastra-1s have been delivered to an Army Ammunition Depot, as per defence officials.

<h2>Nagastra-1: The kamikaze drones of the Indian Army</h2>

Nagastra -1, in a "kamikaze mode", can neutralise any hostile threat with a GPS-enabled precision strike with an accuracy of 2m. The man-portable fixed-wing electric UAV, which weighs 9 kg, has an endurance of 30 min, a man-in-loop range of 15 km, and an autonomous mode range of 30 km.&nbsp;

Its electric propulsion system provides a low acoustic signature to make it undetectable by the enemy at a height of more than 200 metres, according to defence officials.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-firmly-rejects-unwarranted-references-to-jammu-and-kashmir-in-china-pakistan-joint-statement-731545">India firmly rejects 'unwarranted references' to Jammu and Kashmir in China-Pakistan joint statement</a>

The munitions can carry a 1 kg warhead up to a range of 15 km, with an upgraded version capable of carrying a 2.2 kg warhead up to 30 km. In case a target is not detected or if the mission is aborted, the suicide drones can be called back and make a soft landing with a parachute recovery mechanism, enabling them&nbsp;to be reused multiple times.

These drones were first unveiled in 2023, during a Niche Technology and Innovation display at Manekshaw Centre in April.

<h2>Loitering Munition</h2>

Drones like Nagastra-1 are a type of loitering munition, in which the aerial weapon is designed with an&nbsp;in-built warhead that is typically designed to loiter around an area until a target is located and then attack the target by crashing into it.&nbsp;

What makes these drones distinct is that they enable faster reaction times against hidden targets that emerge for short periods, without placing high-value platforms near the target area, allowing more selective targeting as the attack can be changed mid-flight or aborted.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Army has received the first batch of man-portable suicide drones named Nagastra-1, as per a media report. The drones are capable of accurately striking enemy training camps, launch pads and infiltrators, hence minimising risk to soldiers.

The Indian Army has received the first batch of man-portable suicide drones named Nagastra-1, as per a media report. The drones are capable of accurately striking enemy training camps, launch pads and infiltrators, hence minimising risk to soldiers. The high-tech drones are designed and developed completely in India by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries, Nagpur. As per a report by the Economic Times, the drones have an indigenous content of over 75 per cent. Also Read | Special IAF aircraft carrying mortal remains of Indian victims in Kuwait blaze lands in Kochi The addition of these drones will enhance the capability of the Indian Army to execute shallow strikes across the border when necessary. Drones like Nagastra-1 with in-built warheads are known as kamikaze or exploding drones. The first indigenous Loitering Munition, Nagastra–1, developed by Solar Industries, Nagpur, has been delivered to the Indian Army. The Indian Army has placed an order to Solar Induatries’ Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL) to supply 480 Loiter Munitions under Emergency Procurement… pic.twitter.com/ClHofB7EOE — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2024 × The Indian Army placed an order of 480 such drones to EEL, out of which 120 Nagastra-1s have been delivered to an Army Ammunition Depot, as per defence officials. Nagastra-1: The kamikaze drones of the Indian Army Nagastra -1, in a "kamikaze mode", can neutralise any hostile threat with a GPS-enabled precision strike with an accuracy of 2m. The man-portable fixed-wing electric UAV, which weighs 9 kg, has an endurance of 30 min, a man-in-loop range of 15 km, and an autonomous mode range of 30 km. Its electric propulsion system provides a low acoustic signature to make it undetectable by the enemy at a height of more than 200 metres, according to defence officials. Also Read | India firmly rejects 'unwarranted references' to Jammu and Kashmir in China-Pakistan joint statement The munitions can carry a 1 kg warhead up to a range of 15 km, with an upgraded version capable of carrying a 2.2 kg warhead up to 30 km. In case a target is not detected or if the mission is aborted, the suicide drones can be called back and make a soft landing with a parachute recovery mechanism, enabling them to be reused multiple times. These drones were first unveiled in 2023, during a Niche Technology and Innovation display at Manekshaw Centre in April. Loitering Munition Drones like Nagastra-1 are a type of loitering munition, in which the aerial weapon is designed with an in-built warhead that is typically designed to loiter around an area until a target is located and then attack the target by crashing into it. What makes these drones distinct is that they enable faster reaction times against hidden targets that emerge for short periods, without placing high-value platforms near the target area, allowing more selective targeting as the attack can be changed mid-flight or aborted. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Army receives first batch of indigenous suicide drones 'Nagastra-1'

A Chinese technology company created history in April by making the first successful drone delivery on the world's tallest mountain, Mount Everest. Drone maker DJI revealed Wednesday (Jun 5) that it transported cargo from base camp to the top at an altitude above 6,000 metres using its FlyCart 30 drone. During the test flight, it carried 15kg of oxygen cylinders and other supplies to Camp 1, located 1,700 metres above the base camp. During the return flight, the drone carried waste of the same weight. The company said the drone still had 43 per cent battery power remaining after making the full trip and it braved sub-zero temperatures and strong winds during the test flight.

Christina Zhang, DJI’s senior corporate strategy director, in a company release, said, “The ability to safely transport equipment, supplies and waste by drone has the potential to revolutionise Everest mountaineering logistics, facilitate trash clean-up efforts, and improve safety for all involved.”

<h2>Why is it significant?</h2>

Flying drones, or any aircraft for that matter, becomes difficult at higher altitudes because of thinner air and lower air pressure. These conditions also severely limit the amount of payload a drone can carry.

Following the successful test of the Chinese drone, the Nepalese government has launched a drone transport project to clean up the trekking path of the world's tallest summit.

<h2>Everest turning into 'garbage dump'</h2>

Mt Everest is visited by thousands of climbers every year. Last year, a total of 6,600 climbers made it to the top and each of them left an estimated 8kg of waste (average) on their way up and down. According to DJI, this has turned Everest into the “world’s highest garbage dump”.

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The company added that an estimated 140 tonnes of waste have accumulated on the mountain over the past seven decades. This waste includes empty oxygen bottles, abandoned tents and food packaging.

<h2>Why drones?</h2>

The reason why drones are required in cleanliness operations is that local guides must cross the Khumbu Icefall, an unstable river of ice that is one of the most difficult sections of the mountain, to carry waste from Camp 1 to the base camp.

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Some local guides even end up losing their lives here.

“Last year I lost three Sherpas. If we are not lucky, if our time is not right, we lose our life there,” DJI quoted a mountain guide as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Chinese technology company created history in April by making the first successful drone delivery on the world's tallest mountain, Mount Everest. Drone maker DJI revealed Wednesday (Jun 5) that it transported cargo from base camp to the top at an altitude above 6,000 metres using its FlyCart 30 drone.

A Chinese technology company created history in April by making the first successful drone delivery on the world's tallest mountain, Mount Everest. Drone maker DJI revealed Wednesday (Jun 5) that it transported cargo from base camp to the top at an altitude above 6,000 metres using its FlyCart 30 drone. During the test flight, it carried 15kg of oxygen cylinders and other supplies to Camp 1, located 1,700 metres above the base camp. During the return flight, the drone carried waste of the same weight. The company said the drone still had 43 per cent battery power remaining after making the full trip and it braved sub-zero temperatures and strong winds during the test flight. Christina Zhang, DJI’s senior corporate strategy director, in a company release, said, “The ability to safely transport equipment, supplies and waste by drone has the potential to revolutionise Everest mountaineering logistics, facilitate trash clean-up efforts, and improve safety for all involved.” Why is it significant? Flying drones, or any aircraft for that matter, becomes difficult at higher altitudes because of thinner air and lower air pressure. These conditions also severely limit the amount of payload a drone can carry. Following the successful test of the Chinese drone, the Nepalese government has launched a drone transport project to clean up the trekking path of the world's tallest summit. Everest turning into 'garbage dump' Mt Everest is visited by thousands of climbers every year. Last year, a total of 6,600 climbers made it to the top and each of them left an estimated 8kg of waste (average) on their way up and down. According to DJI, this has turned Everest into the “world’s highest garbage dump”. Also read: China builds world`s first dedicated drone carrier, but it`s shrouded in mystery: Report The company added that an estimated 140 tonnes of waste have accumulated on the mountain over the past seven decades. This waste includes empty oxygen bottles, abandoned tents and food packaging. Why drones? The reason why drones are required in cleanliness operations is that local guides must cross the Khumbu Icefall, an unstable river of ice that is one of the most difficult sections of the mountain, to carry waste from Camp 1 to the base camp. Also read: NATO countries plan to create protective ‘drone wall’ along Russian border Some local guides even end up losing their lives here. “Last year I lost three Sherpas. If we are not lucky, if our time is not right, we lose our life there,” DJI quoted a mountain guide as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese company makes successful drone delivery to Mt Everest, to aid cleanliness operations

#Gravitas | A team from the U.S. is currently in India to hold discussions on the acquisition of MQ-9B drones. On this edition of Gravitas deep dive, we talk about the history of UAVs and how the 'hunter-killer' drone variant came to be.

Gravitas Deep Dive: How US's MQ-9B 'Predator' Will Enhance India’s Maritime Security

This week, we explore how artificial intelligence is helping people regain their voices. We introduce new AI-powered TVs designed to enhance your viewing experience and discover how drones are being used to combat deforestation. Watch the full show for more details.

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We're all aware of the myriad uses for drones, from mapping to security and even delivering essential items like medical kits in remote areas. Their potential knows no bounds. Now, they're being deployed to combat deforestation. Watch the report for more details.

Drones helping combat deforestation

Unmanned aerial vehicles are playing a crucial role in the Russia Ukraine war both sides have extensively relied on drones and now reports claim that Kyiv is facing trouble with US made variants. Watch in for more details!

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An alliance opposed to Myanmar's military junta has reportedly targeted two military installations with a drone attack in the capital city of Naypyitaw. Watch in for more details!

Myanmar's Resistance Groups launch drone attack on Naypyitaw, Army claims all drones shot down

Myanmar capital attacked by drones, no casualties or damage to property reported

Russia is reinforcing its air defence capabilities. A drone that was unveiled by the Russian military last year in July the Joker-10 drone has now been modified, keep watching for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia's new combat drone

India has deployed indigenous anti-drone system along the border with China. The Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction system, made by DRDO and Bharat Electronics, can soft kill and hard kill enemy drones.

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Drones are fulfilling the dreams of rural women in the country of India. Prime minister Narendra Modi felicitated 1,000 female drone pilots on Monday. The Prime Minister also witnessed the agricultural drones in action.

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Drones have seamlessly integrated into modern technology, with schools incorporating drone training programs into their curriculum. These programs are not only teaching children how to operate combat drones, but the lessons also cover first aid, safety protocols, and tactical training. We delve into the specifics in this report.

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Male has inked a $37 million deal with a Turkish company for military drones, TB2, for patrolling and the drones have arrived in the country.

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San Francisco residents could soon spot drones in the sky and all thanks to a new proposed law and if passed the drones will come under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Police.

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The UK's air travel watchdog has put forth a proposal that, if passed, can see legal use of drones for delivery of critical medicines and for inspection of railways, roads and power lines. If passed, the proposal from UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) would allow flying of drones beyond line of sight. There are currently strict restrictions on operation of drones in such a manner.

The new proposal proposes that drones be allowed to fly at low heights away from the altitude required by the air traffic.

"Our proposals are a positive step towards unlocking the next stage for drone flying in the UK. Allowing drones to fly beyond the sight of the remote pilot, without placing restrictions on other aircraft in the area, will be a major achievement for UK drone operations," said Kevin Woolsey, the head of remotely piloted aircraft systems at the CAA.

“Safety comes first in everything we do and so we have identified sensible mitigations on where drones can fly using this proposed concept to make sure we maintain levels of safety.”

Wolsey was quoted by The Guardian.

Watch | UK: 'High-risk flights' land in the UK without going through security checks

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The proposal represents a step in expanding use of drones in the UK to the next stage. This has potential of expanding drone operation even for delivery of goods purchased online in future.

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The proposal reportedly also suggests use of drones on private property with having to obtain permission. However, such a drone must fly&nbsp;under 15 metres.

The proposal has been posted by the CAA for consultation, which will be open for six weeks. These consultations are part of the process from the CAA for UK future flight programme. Under the programme, in it envisaged that drone would safely share the skies with traditional airspace users. CAA is also working with private players with an aim to develop drones and newer forms of air transportation.

(With inputs from agencies)

The UK's air travel watchdog has put forth a proposal that, if passed, can see legal use of drones for delivery of critical medicines and for inspection of railways, roads and power lines.

The UK's air travel watchdog has put forth a proposal that, if passed, can see legal use of drones for delivery of critical medicines and for inspection of railways, roads and power lines. If passed, the proposal from UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) would allow flying of drones beyond line of sight. There are currently strict restrictions on operation of drones in such a manner. The new proposal proposes that drones be allowed to fly at low heights away from the altitude required by the air traffic. "Our proposals are a positive step towards unlocking the next stage for drone flying in the UK. Allowing drones to fly beyond the sight of the remote pilot, without placing restrictions on other aircraft in the area, will be a major achievement for UK drone operations," said Kevin Woolsey, the head of remotely piloted aircraft systems at the CAA. “Safety comes first in everything we do and so we have identified sensible mitigations on where drones can fly using this proposed concept to make sure we maintain levels of safety.” Wolsey was quoted by The Guardian. Watch | UK: 'High-risk flights' land in the UK without going through security checks × The proposal represents a step in expanding use of drones in the UK to the next stage. This has potential of expanding drone operation even for delivery of goods purchased online in future. Also Read | Who is Sandip Patel, Indian-origin man who stabbed sex worker 140 times in UK? The proposal reportedly also suggests use of drones on private property with having to obtain permission. However, such a drone must fly under 15 metres. The proposal has been posted by the CAA for consultation, which will be open for six weeks. These consultations are part of the process from the CAA for UK future flight programme. Under the programme, in it envisaged that drone would safely share the skies with traditional airspace users. CAA is also working with private players with an aim to develop drones and newer forms of air transportation. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Drones may deliver medicines if CAA proposal goes through

Russia is exploiting delays in extending aid to Ukraine, and the situation in areas where Moscow's troops are concentrated is "extremely difficult", Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Russia-Ukraine war | Russia takes control of Avdiivka plant

The first-ever European Union (EU)-India Track 1.5 dialogue on countering the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by extremists and non-state actors will take place in New Delhi tomorrow.

New Delhi hosts India-EU roundtable on countering terrorist exploitation of drones

The US launched an air assault on several sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iran-backed militias. The attacks come in retaliation to the Drone strike that killed three US service members in Jordan.

US strikes Syria & Iraq, Baghdad says 'Conflict Could Escalate'

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