RAF tests new drones in the skies over Lincolnshire
New RAF surveillance drones are being tested across the skies of Lincolnshire.
Controlled remotely from RAF Waddington, the Protector is being tested over a large part of the county, including the Wolds, Louth, Market Rasen, Wragby, Horncastle and Woodhall Spa.
A routine temporary danger area (TDA) was activated on 17 February and will remain in place until 6 August to allow the testing.
The RAF said the UK had invested in 16 new surveillance drones for the UK, based at Waddington, which will be capable of operating in both UK and European airspace.
The Protector will be tasked with tracking threats, counter-terrorism and supporting the coastguard on search and rescue missions.
The building and initial testing of the aircraft was completed by engineers from 31 Squadron, and the test and evaluation programme is being led by 56 Squadron.
Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
MP 'committed' to keeping Red Arrows in action
New RAF drone takes first flight in UK skies
Fighter jet canopy dumped in mid-air emergency
RAF Waddington
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
France's Mistral launches Europe's first AI reasoning model
By Supantha Mukherjee and Kenrick Cai PARIS (Reuters) -Mistral on Tuesday launched Europe's first AI reasoning model, which uses logical thinking to create a response, as it tries to keep pace with American and Chinese rivals at the forefront of AI development. The French startup has attempted to differentiate itself by championing its European roots, winning the support of French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as making some of its models open source in contrast to the proprietary offerings of OpenAI or Alphabet's Google. Mistral is considered Europe's best shot at having a home-grown AI competitor, but has lagged behind in terms of market share and revenue. Reasoning models use chain-of-thought techniques - a process that generates answers with intermediate reasoning abilities when solving complex problems. They could also be a promising path forward in advancing AI's capabilities as the traditional approach of building ever-bigger large language models by adding more data and computing power begins to hit limitations. For Mistral, which was valued by venture capitalists at $6.2 billion, an industry shift away from "scaling up" could give it a window to catch up against better capitalized rivals. China's DeepSeek broke through as a viable competitor in January through its low-cost, open-sourced AI models, including one for reasoning. OpenAI was the first to launch its reasoning models last year, followed by Google a few months later. Meta, which also offers its models open-sourced, has not yet released a standalone reasoning model, though it said its latest top-shelf model has reasoning capabilities. Mistral is launching an open-sourced Magistral Small model and a more powerful version called Magistral Medium for business customers. "The best human thinking isn't linear - it weaves through logic, insight, uncertainty, and discovery. Reasoning language models have enabled us to augment and delegate complex thinking and deep understanding to AI," Mistral said. American companies have mostly kept their most advanced models proprietary, though a handful, such as Meta, has released open-source models. In contrast, Chinese firms ranging from DeepSeek to Alibaba have taken the open-source path to demonstrate their technological capabilities. Mistral Small is available for download on Hugging Face's platform and can reason in languages including English, French, Spanish, Arabic and simplified Chinese.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
RKLB Q1 Earnings Call: Product Expansion and Neutron Progress Drive Outlook
Aerospace and defense company Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) reported Q1 CY2025 results topping the market's revenue expectations , with sales up 32.1% year on year to $122.6 million. On the other hand, next quarter's revenue guidance of $135 million was less impressive, coming in 1.7% below analysts' estimates. Its non-GAAP loss of $0.07 per share was 17.9% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy RKLB? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $122.6 million vs analyst estimates of $121.6 million (32.1% year-on-year growth, 0.8% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: -$29.96 million vs analyst estimates of -$33.63 million (-24.4% margin, 10.9% beat) Revenue Guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $135 million at the midpoint, below analyst estimates of $137.3 million EBITDA guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $29 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of -$20.45 million Operating Margin: -48.3%, down from -46.4% in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $13.68 billion Rocket Lab's first-quarter performance was shaped by continued growth in its core launch and space systems businesses, as well as the company's strategy of vertical integration. CEO Peter Beck highlighted the significance of securing new Electron and HASTE missions and the successful execution of five launches, which he said demonstrated 'trusted and reliable access to space for small satellite operators.' The company emphasized the role of its vertically integrated supply chain in navigating international trade dynamics and supporting reliable manufacturing. CFO Adam Spice noted that space systems led segment growth and improvements in gross margin were attributed to better scale and product mix, particularly as satellite manufacturing operations matured. Management acknowledged that fixed costs and launch cadence continue to influence launch segment margins, pointing to the importance of operational efficiency and scale. Looking ahead, Rocket Lab's guidance is underpinned by anticipated momentum in the Neutron launch program, margin expansion, and contributions from new product lines and acquisitions. Management outlined the upcoming Neutron first flight as a pivotal milestone, with Beck stating, 'It's all hands to the pump internally to make sure that we hit our objective of getting that off in the second half.' The company expects higher launch cadence and average selling prices in the back half of the year to drive margin improvement, while ongoing investment in Neutron and recent moves like the intended Mynaric acquisition are expected to expand Rocket Lab's capabilities and European market presence. Management cautioned that negative free cash flow is likely to remain elevated until Neutron's first launch, after which they anticipate improvements in cash dynamics. Management attributed quarterly results to robust Electron launch cadence, ongoing product innovation in space systems, and strategic moves such as entering the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program and pursuing targeted acquisitions. Electron mission execution: Electron completed five successful launches in the quarter and booked eight new Electron and HASTE missions, highlighting the company's capacity for frequent and reliable small satellite deployment. Progress with Neutron: Rocket Lab advanced Neutron's development and secured selection for the U.S. Department of Defense's NSSL program, positioning Neutron as a medium-class, reusable launch vehicle for critical government missions. The company expects Neutron's first launch later this year, supported by significant investments in infrastructure and propulsion systems. Space systems momentum: The space systems segment demonstrated the ability to deliver spacecraft rapidly, as seen with the quick turnaround on manufacturing and launching Varda's third spacecraft. Management pointed to increasing demand for full-constellation builds and new product offerings in modular solar arrays and satellite radios. Strategic acquisition plans: The planned acquisition of Mynaric, a German laser communication terminal provider, is expected to strengthen Rocket Lab's product suite and enable access to European government and commercial contracts. Management stated this would 'add a new element to our spacecraft supply chain.' Expansion into international markets: Rocket Lab is establishing a European presence to pursue sovereign government programs and broaden its addressable market, noting that having operations in Europe enables participation in large-scale projects historically inaccessible to non-European providers. Rocket Lab's forward guidance is shaped by Neutron's launch readiness, margin expansion from improved launch mix, and strategic initiatives in product development and international expansion. Neutron launch as a catalyst: The impending first launch of Neutron is seen as a major inflection point, with management emphasizing that achieving operational cadence and higher average selling prices will be key to margin expansion in the second half of the year. Ongoing investments in infrastructure and long-lead items are focused on scaling post-launch. Product and market diversification: The company's efforts to expand its portfolio—such as modular solar arrays, advanced satellite radios, and the Mynaric acquisition—are aimed at capturing new business in both government and commercial markets, particularly in Europe. Management believes these moves will help mitigate risks from single-market dependency and drive long-term revenue growth. Ongoing cash flow pressures: Management acknowledged that negative free cash flow is expected to persist until Neutron's first launch is completed, due to significant R&D and capital expenditures. They anticipate moderation in cash outflows once the vehicle is operational and revenue-generating, but caution that program timing and market demand could introduce variability. In coming quarters, the StockStory team will monitor (1) Neutron's first launch and the ramp-up in launch cadence and average selling prices, (2) execution and integration of the Mynaric acquisition to expand European market reach, and (3) progress on new product adoption, including modular solar arrays and satellite radios. The timing and scale of large constellation contracts and continued backlog growth will also be key indicators of sustained momentum. Rocket Lab currently trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 23.9×. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it's free). Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
9 hours ago
- Business Insider
How Finnish online casinos are shaping the future of global digital gambling
In the last decade, Finland has emerged as a quiet but significant innovator in the global online gambling space. While much of the industry's media spotlight often lands on the giants of the UK, Malta, or Sweden, Finnish online casinos—especially those operating under the Pay N Play model—have quietly rewritten the rules of user experience, regulation, and trust. At the heart of this revolution lies a unique synergy between user-centered design and technical innovation. Finnish players, known for their discerning standards and tech-savvy behavior, have created a demand that pushes local operators to go beyond traditional online casino offerings. The result? A growing cohort of brands like Pikakasinot that emphasize speed, security, and simplicity above all else. A Seamless User Experience: The Rise of Pay N Play Finland has been a fertile ground for the Pay N Play model—an innovation developed by Trustly that allows players to deposit and play instantly without the lengthy registration processes typical in other markets. This model has been so successful in the Nordic region that it is now being studied and implemented across other parts of Europe and beyond. In an industry plagued by slow KYC (Know Your Customer) processes and clunky interfaces, Finnish Pay N Play casinos offer a breath of fresh air. The idea is simple but powerful: authenticate users via their bank credentials, deposit instantly, and withdraw winnings in minutes—all without creating a traditional casino account. Responsible Gambling Embedded in the UX What makes this trend even more important globally is how Finnish platforms incorporate responsible gambling tools into the very fabric of their user interfaces. Setting deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and real-time loss tracking aren't treated as regulatory afterthoughts but as essential components of the player journey. In fact, this proactive approach to player protection is what many industry observers believe gives Finnish casinos a competitive edge on the global stage. It's not just about flash or bonuses. It's about sustainability and ethics in digital gaming. Exporting the Model: Finnish Influence Abroad With European regulation getting tighter and user expectations rising, many global operators are taking cues from Finnish platforms. The emphasis on frictionless onboarding, mobile-first design, and transparent communication is becoming the gold standard, and much of that evolution can be traced back to Finnish innovation. Moreover, Finland's success is not going unnoticed. According to recent insights from the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), Northern European operators are now seen as the benchmark for clean, safe, and modern gambling platforms. This reputation opens the door for Finnish-style operators to enter new markets as consultants, white-label providers, or direct competitors. A New Era for Global Gambling In many ways, Finnish online casinos represent a new philosophy in digital gambling: less noise, more substance. And in an era where users are inundated with flashy offers and overcomplicated platforms, that minimalistic and ethical approach resonates. The global gambling industry is undergoing a structural shift. From payment methods to player protection, the winds of change are blowing north. And as more operators look to modernize their services, the Finnish model—embodied by platforms like increasingly becoming the blueprint.
