Aerospace Group:

Advanced / Transformational Technology

Grid Aero, Startup Developing Autonomous Cargo Aircraft, Exits Stealth

By Cal Biesecker

Monday, August 18th, 2025

SHARE:

Grid Aero, Startup Developing Autonomous Cargo Aircraft, Exits Stealth

Grid Aero's Lifter-Lite autonomous cargo drone. Photo: Grid Aero

Grid Aero, a new company that is rapidly developing an autonomous cargo drone for routine long-range, high-payload military and commercial missions, emerged from stealth on Monday with $6 million in seed funding. The California-based startup is finishing assembly of its first aircraft, Lifter-Lite, which it describes as the “pickup truck of the skies” that can carry between two-thousand and 10 thousand pounds of cargo thousands of miles to conduct “ultra-low-cost” logistics between Pacific islands and countries. Grid Aero is finishing…

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]

Congress

Counter-Drone Flyaway Kit Used In U.S. In Early Hours Of Iran Strikes, NORTHCOM Head Says

U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) used a counter small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flyaway kit (FAK) in the early hours of the strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, according to Air […]