SPH Engineering Launches UgCS 6.0

SPH Engineering has released UgCS 6.0, a major update designed to resolve critical operational bottlenecks in large-scale drone surveying. The software’s new “Large Projects” feature allows operators to import massive polygons and easily split them into smaller sub-areas while guaranteeing perfect grid alignment across the entire site. To further ensure data integrity, it introduces “Tie Lines” for built-in QA/ QC data validation directly within the flight plan. Furthermore, a new “Shift Right” parameter enables pilots to adjust current flight grids to precisely match historical survey lines, a critical requirement for long-term mining and geological monitoring. www.sphengineering.com

Honeywell launches Kestrel

Honeywell has launched Kestrel, a compact navigation solution designed to help uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) operate reliably in contested environments where GPS signals may be degraded, jammed or spoofed. It combines Honeywell Aerospace’s HG3900 MEMS inertial measurement unit with an M-code receiver and a multi-GNSS receiver. The platform is intended to meet the specific needs of Group 2 and 3 collaborative combat aircraft and loitering munitions platforms. www.honeywellaerospace.com

FENIX Programme to push UAV swarm technology

Spain’s Ministry of Defence has launched the FENIX project to test how groups of UAVs can work together on military missions, particularly surveillance and reconnaissance.

The programme brings together UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía, Alpha Unmanned Systems, FADA-CATEC and AICIA under the Ministry’s COINCIDENTE Programme for defence research. The focus is on “heterogeneous swarms”, meaning different UAV types working together instead of relying on a single platform. Each aircraft would carry out tasks suited to its role and capabilities. The project will test how UAVs can operate with greater autonomy and less operator involvement. A key objective is swarm coordination. FENIX will examine how UAVs can react to changing conditions, shift tasks during missions and continue operating with limited human input. The project is also looking at sensor sharing between UAVs to improve detection and situational awareness, particularly in poor weather, low visibility and cluttered environments. www.armadainternational.com

42 Technology and Omnisense collaboration

42 Technology (42T) and Omnisense have demonstrated a safer autonomous drone landing system when GNSS signals are unreliable. The system uses a ground-based ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning technology. It was developed by Omnisense through its European Space Agency-supported DroneHome program.

The DroneHome program uses terrestrial radio positioning as a complementary navigation layer within the overall navigation system, so a drone’s position remains stable and predictable even in GNSS-challenged environments. In practice, this means autonomous systems can maintain controlled behavior instead of experiencing sudden navigation failures. www.omnisense.co.uk

IN-SPACe opens LVM-3 ‘Bahubali’ tech to private sector

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from private players to transfer technology of its Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3), popularly known as Bahubali for its lift of mass of 640 tonnes and its three stage rocket.

This is after IN-SPACe invited EOI for transfer of technology pertaining to PSLV. In September 2025, IN-SPACe and New Space India Ltd signed a technology transfer agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to transfer SSLV technology. www.newindianexpress.com