autonomous pilot tech – The Defense Post

Apr- 2026 -

10 April

Air

Chile’s New T-40 Newen Trainer Moves Pilot Training Into Digital Era

Chile is reworking how it trains military pilots with the debut of the T-40 Newen, a next-gen trainer aircraft built around advanced systems and a connected training approach.

Jan- 2026 -

27 January

Europe

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Leonardo’s New Simulator Links Real Aircraft to Virtual Warzones

Leonardo is trying to put military pilot training on a new trajectory with FITS4TOP, a next-gen simulator designed to blend real flight with virtual training.

Dec- 2025 -

24 December

Asia Pacific

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

South Korea Builds Autonomous Backbone for Naval Manned-Unmanned Teaming

The integrated control system is the main command system for USV, managing navigation, coordinating with manned vessels, and supported by a weapons operation and launch control system.

Aug- 2025 -

20 August

Air

Ethan M. Encarnacion

Airbus H145 Helicopter Flies Autonomously for First Time With Shield AI’s Hivemind

Aerospace giant Airbus has completed its first autonomous helicopter flight test using Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy system.

May- 2025 -

12 May

Air

Rojoef Manuel

Airbus, Shield AI to Equip Lakota Helicopter Drone With AI Pilot

Airbus and Shield AI have signed an agreement to integrate autonomous pilot technology into the MQ-72C Logistics Connector unmanned aerial system.

Jan- 2025 -

15 January

Air

Joe Saballa

California Firm to Provide Optionally-Piloted Capability for US Army Choppers

A California-based tech company has been contracted to integrate optionally-piloted capability into US Army helicopters and enhance their flight features.

Sep- 2024 -

9 September

Air