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Category: UAV

Guarding the skies: 1st Cavalry Division’s advanced C-sUAS initiatives

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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.


U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Cheyne Hanoski
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Netherlands expands MQ-9A fleet to 8 aircraft

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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.

An MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle comes in for a landing at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Nov. 20. Reapers are remotely piloted and can linger over battlefields, providing persistent strike capabilities to ground force commanders. This Reaper is deployed to the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance and Attack Squadron from Creech Air Force Base, Nev.

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VMU-3 attains initial operational capability with MQ-9A

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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.

The U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9A MUX/MALE is formally unveiled during a ceremony for Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3), Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Aug 2, 2023. The ceremony commemorated the squadron’s years of dedicated effort and work to reach Initial Operational Capability with the MQ-9A. VMU-3 can support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force by providing multi-surveillance and reconnaissance, data gateway and relay capabilities, and enabling or conducting the detection and cross cueing of targets and facilitating their engagement during expeditionary, joint and combined operations.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Tofteroo)

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AI agents pilot XQ-58A for the first time

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In a groundbreaking achievement that pushes the boundaries of aviation technology, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) recently made history by successfully demonstrating the first-ever flight of artificial intelligence agents controlling an XQ-58A Valkyrie uncrewed aircraft. This remarkable milestone, achieved on Jul. 25, marks a significant leap forward in the realm of autonomous flight and showcases the potential of AI to revolutionize modern air combat operations.


U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Randolph Abaya, 586 Flight Test Squadron

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