AI agent tested for use in UAV flight

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works successfully demonstrated artificial intelligence (AI) driven mission contingency management (AI/MCM) on a Stalker XE Block 25 Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and an Alta X 2.0 drone modified by Drone Amplified. The test simulated multiple variations of fuel contingencies to demonstrate how AI can analyze situations and provide solutions when an unexpected problem occurs. Within seconds, the ground command-and-control (C2) system’s AI analyzed the situation, generated re-plan options, and displayed them to the operator. Once the operator selected a preferred option, the AI automatically reassigned the Stalker’s mission tasks to the Alta X and commanded the Stalker to return to base.

Lockheed Martin’s STAR.SDK, part of its STAR.OS constellation, connected the contingency application to a user interface, enabling operators to interact with a chat assistant providing re-tasking options.

By letting the AI agent handle the unexpected contingency, the operator could resolve the problem quickly while staying focused on other critical mission duties, advancing the shift toward more autonomous uncrewed operations. https://droneamplified.com; https://freeflysystems.com/alta-x; https://www.lockheedmartin.com

Packet Digital to deliver US-made battery cells for UAS systems

Fargo, North Dakota-based Packet Digital has been awarded up to $50 million through the Department of War’s Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program. The award will drive the development and production of advanced, high-performance batteries for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), supporting the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force, and Special Operations Command.

Packet Digital’s Badland Batteries manufacturing facility is slated to begin production of U.S.-made lithium-ion battery cells in 2026. These cells offer a secure domestic solution for the defense industry while also delivering energy density and power performance. https://packetdigital.com

ANSI UAS Standardization Collaborative releases final Gaps Progress Report

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) released the November 2025 Gaps Progress Report from the ANSI Unmanned Aircraft Systems Standardization Collaborative (UASSC) – the culmination of a multi-year effort documenting critical standardization advances supporting safe integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace system.

The report highlights how standards developing organizations (SDOs) have addressed 20 priority gaps – from airworthiness certification to operational requirements – originally identified among 71 standardization needs in the UASSC’s 2020 Standardization Roadmap for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The report lists newly published standards and new standards projects, alongside suggestions for future roadmap modifications.

While this edition will be the final Gaps Progress Report, the UASSC expects to renew efforts in the coming years to support future standards coordination and information-sharing opportunities.

More than 400 individuals from 250 public- and private-sector organizations supported the standardization roadmap, including representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), other U.S. federal government agencies, SDOs, industry, and academia. https://www.ansi.org/uassc