special operations forces

Jun- 2026 -

16 June

Drones - Latest News, Features & Expert Opinion

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) drone operator assigned to 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) releases a UAV for a flight demonstration at a counter- drone range in Ellerbe, North Carolina, May 5, 2026. UAVs are flown using First Person View (FPV) goggles to see real-time, immersive video feed from the drone's internal camera. This photo has been altered to protect the identity of the operator. (U.S. Army photo by Ssg. Gabriel E. Davis)

USSOCOM Opens Search for AI-Enabled Drone Vision Trainer

US Special Operations Command has launched a competitive effort to acquire a synthetic data generation tool that will train computer vision models for unmanned systems.

May- 2026 -

25 May

Drones - Latest News, Features & Expert Opinion

Air Commandos assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing prepare to load a GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb Weapon System onto an MQ-9 Reaper during a weapons load competition at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, March 27, 2026. The GBU-39B is designed to limit collateral damage, expanding the MQ-9’s ability to deliver persistent, scalable effects in support of special operations forces across a range of operational environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin Williams)

Rojoef Manuel

US Air Force MQ-9 Reapers Gain Long-Range Precision Strike Capability

The US Air Force Special Operations Command has integrated the GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb into MQ-9 Reaper drones, adding a long-range precision strike capability designed for contested environments.

15 May

Technology

Rojoef Manuel

US Special Ops Chiefs Push for Right-to-Repair Authority for Military Systems

US special operations commanders have revealed that proprietary restrictions imposed by defense contractors are slowing efforts to rapidly repair military equipment, particularly unmanned aerial systems, as adversaries move faster with commercially available technology.

Apr- 2026 -

21 April

Arms

191110-M-HB658-2561 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 10, 2019) U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Luke Boyd, the combined anti-armor team platoon commander with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), draws an M9 pistol during a small arms range aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). The Marines and Sailors of the 11th MEU are conducting routine operations as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the eastern Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Holbert)

Rojoef Manuel

US Bill Seeks Concealed Carry Rights for Special Ops, Veterans

The US House of Representatives has unveiled legislation to grant nationwide concealed carry authority to active-duty and veteran US special operations personnel.

17 April

Arms

A United Arab Emirates soldier with the Al Forsan Brigade, Presidential Guard fires a CAR 816/Sultan during a Unit Enhancement Training 24-2 event on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 18, 2024. The UET 24-2 consisted of a series of combined arms offensive and counter-insurgency operations at the platoon level, enhancing the proficiency, tactical readiness, and interoperability between the Marine Corps and foreign partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Antonino Mazzamuto) (This photo has been altered for security purposes.)

Rojoef Manuel

EDGE Group, Brazilian Army Team Up on Small Arms Testing for Special Forces

UAE state-owned defense company EDGE Group has launched a teaming framework with the Brazilian Army to support evaluations of next-generation small arms for special forces.

Jan- 2026 -

2 January

Americas

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Ghostrider Gunship Poised for Starlink-Enabled Battlefield Transformation

AC-130J Ghostrider gunship is a heavily armed multi-role special operations aircraft, capable of close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance.

Sep- 2025 -

30 September

Arms

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

Bullfrog AI-Enabled Weapon System Moves Into Maritime Drone Fight

Bullfrog is an autonomous counter-drone weapon that fuses AI, computer vision, and an M240 gun to deliver precision defense on land and at sea.

May- 2025 -

8 May

Drones - Latest News, Features & Expert Opinion

Heavy-lifter rotary wing unmanned aerial system

Rojoef Manuel

Cyberlux Launches Heavy-Lift Rotary Wing Drone for US Special Ops

Cyberlux Corporation has rolled out a new unmanned aerial system built to tackle the toughest missions for US Special Operations forces.

Mar- 2025 -

20 March

Americas

Joe Saballa

BANC3 Unveils Advanced Extended Reality Training System for US Air Force

BANC3 Inc. has announced the successful development of an advanced extended reality training system for the US Air Force Special Operations Command.

13 March

Sea

Concept of the Future Fast Interceptor. Photo: Netherlands Ministry of Defence

Rojoef Manuel

Netherlands to Receive 13 Interceptor and Special Ops Craft From De Haas

Netherlands-based De Haas Shipyards has received a contract to build 13 vessels to replace the Netherlands Armed Forces’ Fast Raiding Interception and Special Forces Craft (FRISC).

Trends Shaping the Defense World

JOIN 100,000+ FOR DEFENSE NEWS, TRENDS & INSIGHTS