Choe Su-ryong, a former agent of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), has revealed that North Korea has embarked on a significant military modernization effort, repurposing outdated fighter jets into suicide drones armed with precision-guided munitions. These unmanned suicide drones are intended to strike major industrial and infrastructure facilities in South Korea, according to Choe’s statements to The Korea Times.
As technology evolves, so do the threats in the modern battlefield. The rise of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) has brought about new challenges, leading to innovative solutions to counter their potential risks. The U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division is at the forefront of this effort, taking a significant step to equip itself with advanced Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) equipment. This move aims to enhance the division’s capability to detect, identify, and neutralize small UAS threats effectively.
A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 unmanned air vehicle had overran the runway at Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Kanoya Air Base on Aug. 22, the NHK has reported.
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its surveillance and security capabilities, the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has announced its decision to double its fleet of MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from four to eight. The MQ-9A Reapers, designed and developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), are poised to play a pivotal role in the RNLAF’s operations.
Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3 marked a significant achievement as they reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the MQ-9A Extended Range Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Medium-Altitude, High-Endurance (MALE) aircraft. In a unit-led ceremony, VMU-3 commemorated their years of dedicated effort and introduced the operational MQ-9A to Marines, family members, and distinguished guests.