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Category: UAV

Canada confirms MQ-9B SkyGuardian acquisition

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Canada is entering a transformative phase to significantly enhance its national defense capabilities, as the government has committed to acquiring a fleet of 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). This strategic investment, valued at $2.49 billion, underscores Canada’s dedication to modernizing its aerospace capabilities and ensuring it remains at the forefront of defense technology.


Image: GA

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319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron shifting to Okinawa, Japan

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In a strategic relocation, the U.S. Air Force’s 19th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron is moving its MQ-9 Reaper drones from Kanoya Air Base in Kyushu to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. The move marks a significant shift in regional reconnaissance capabilities and underscores the strong collaboration between the U.S. and Japan.

KANOYA, Japan (Nov. 5, 2022) An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircrafts, assigned to the 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron on Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Air Base, taxis on the flight line during a demonstration flight, Nov. 5, 2022. U.S. Pacific Air Forces is deploying MQ-9 Reapers, a medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft, and personnel to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Air Base to conduct airborne reconnaissance operations in close coordination with the Japan Ministry of Defense. The presence of U.S. military personnel and assets in Japan supports our allies and partners by maintaining regional stability and security within the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Broome)

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MQ-4C Triton returns to Guam, strengthening maritime security

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The United States Navy’s MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) has touched down at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam for its second deployment in the Pacific theater. This deployment comes after Triton’s initial tour from January 2020 to October 2022, during which valuable lessons were learned and significant upgrades were made to this cutting-edge platform.


U.S. Navy Photo by CNAF Public Affairs
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Fargo AFB to host hypersonic missile testing data center

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In a significant move that underlines North Dakota’s growing role in national defense initiatives, a hypersonic missile data processing center is slated to be established at the Air National Guard base at Hector Field. This announcement was made by Senator John Hoeven, during the Grand Farm Autonomous Nation Conference at the Fargo Microsoft campus on Aug. 29. The data center is a crucial component of the Sky Range hypersonic missile testing program, poised to transform the landscape of missile development and testing.

Airmen assigned to the 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron from Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, perform a maintenance check June 6, 2022, on an RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft at Grand Sky on Grand Forks Air Force Base. The RQ-4 Block 30s will be used at the Test Resource Management Center’s High Speed System Test Department. Located on Grand Forks Air Force Base, Grand Sky is a business and aviation park focused on developing and growing the unmanned aerial systems industry. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ashley Richards)

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