Daily Brief - XQ-67 Drone Gets Major Upgrade.

XQ-67’s new capabilities, UK backs $11B nuclear contract, Ukraine’s multi-domain drone attack, and more.

Author

Battlefield Bytes
January 27, 2025

Your daily strategic update on defense innovation, technology, and the future of warfare. Here is what we’ve got for you today:

  • XQ-67 drone overhauled with cutting-edge upgrades under the Demon Ape program.

  • Leonardo and Baykar collaborate on advanced battlefield sensor systems.

  • UK awards $11B nuclear reactor contract to Rolls-Royce for defense programs.

  • Ukrainian Leopard 1 tank survives multiple drone strikes, demonstrating resilience.

📰 Critical Headline

XQ-67 Drone Overhauled with New Capabilities Under Demon Ape Program
The XQ-67 Valkyrie is receiving a significant upgrade as part of the Demon Ape program, which focuses on enhancing drone autonomy, electronic warfare capabilities, and stealth. The revamp is expected to bolster the drone’s role in multi-domain operations, including intelligence, surveillance, and strike missions. This development marks a key step in integrating next-gen capabilities into U.S. unmanned aerial systems.

🌍 Situation Report

  • Leonardo and Baykar Team Up on Battlefield Sensors: Italian defense giant Leonardo and Turkish drone maker Baykar have announced plans to collaborate on developing battlefield sensor technologies. This partnership aims to create advanced integrated systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, leveraging their combined expertise.

  • UK Awards Rolls-Royce $11B Nuclear Reactor Contract: The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Rolls-Royce an $11 billion contract to develop and maintain nuclear reactors for the country’s submarines. This investment underscores the UK’s commitment to sustaining its nuclear deterrent and bolstering submarine capabilities.

  • Ukrainian Leopard 1 Tank Survives Dozen Drone Strikes: A Ukrainian Leopard 1 tank reportedly withstood 12 drone strikes, highlighting its durability and battlefield survivability. The incident demonstrates the tank’s resilience amid the increasing prevalence of drone warfare in modern conflict.

🎥 Recon Feed

🔍 Intel Spotlight

Ukraine’s All-Drone Multi-Domain Attack Could Mark a Turning Point
A recent operation by Ukraine, using an all-drone, multi-domain strategy, is being hailed as a potential turning point in modern warfare. By coordinating aerial, maritime, and ground drones in a single synchronized attack, Ukraine demonstrated the future of battlefield tactics, leveraging autonomy and precision to disrupt enemy defenses.

🎙 Audio Intel

Drones in Space’s Next “Golden Age” with Redwire CEO Peter Cannito 1/23/25

Manifest Space with Morgan Brennan · Episode

open.spotify.com/episode/7JnAyIfEtFzOMI8MYSdBiE?si=75kk2N6iQD6zC2QWnYxxMw

👤 Strategic Voices

💡 Intel Archive

Team Bravo - Operation Black Mirage - Part I

Team Bravo uses the Black Hornet drone to gather crucial intel behind enemy lines at Camp Verin, setting the stage for a high-stakes operation.

www.battlefieldbytes.com/p/team-bravo-operation-black-mirage-part-i

📜 Words of Valor

"The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war." — Norman Schwarzkopf

📬 Final Word

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