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Here are a few key points about the MQ-4C Triton mission over the Black Sea: - The US Navy deployed a Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton #UAV (reg. 169659, callsign BLACKCAT6) from the #Sigonella, #Italy airbase on Sicily for a #reconnaissance flight over the #BlackSea on June 15, 2024. - The Triton departed Sigonella at 2:44 AM CEST and flew over the Ionian Sea, Greece, and Bulgaria before entering the Black Sea airspace. - Flying at an altitude of 53,000 feet and ground speed of 266 knots, the high-altitude long-endurance UAV is able to monitor large regions and gather intelligence over the strategically important Black Sea. - The drone's flight path shows it conducted a thorough surveillance sweep of the area. The Black Sea region is geopolitically significant given ongoing tensions between #Russia and #Ukraine and their military activities there. - Seeing a U.S. Navy Triton over the Black Sea is unusual, as the Navy focuses its drone missions more on the Mediterranean while the Air Force covers the Black Sea, although NATO, USAF, and USN all operate UAVs from the same base. - The Triton's advanced capabilities allow it to capture detailed imagery and electronic signals intelligence across a wide area, providing valuable data to the U.S. Navy and allies. The deployment demonstrates the U.S. military's ongoing strategic interest in closely monitoring developments in the Black Sea region through advanced unmanned aerial reconnaissance assets like the MQ-4C Triton.

#Yemen - USCENTCOM / U. S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) 16 March Red Sea Update: On March 16, between 7:50 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthis launched two unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAV) from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Red Sea. United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed one UAV and the other is presumed to have crashed into the Red Sea. There were no reports of damage or injuries from ships in the vicinity. Between 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), CENTCOM destroyed five unmanned surface vessels and one UAV in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in self-defense. It was determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy and merchant vessels. https://lnkd.in/ev26pPCi

The Pentagon is already testing tomorrow’s AI-powered swarm drones and ships. Recent Pentagon breakthroughs in experimental aerial and naval craft are paving the way for low-cost attack #drones and new tactics that feature AI in key roles. #USNavy and #AirForce experiments also highlighted how the U.S. military might employ #unmanned weapons differently than China or Russia. The Navy, for example, brought swarms of air and sea drones to the annual Unitas exercise, where they collected and shared reconnaissance data that helped the multinational fleet detect, identify, and take out enemy craft more quickly. That highlights the urgent need for cheaper interception technologies and validates the Pentagon’s five-month-old Replicator plan to increase production of cheap drones for attack. | https://bit.ly/3UtFQBB ⚓ #AUV #UUV #USV #UAV #uncrewed #submersibles

On February 8, 2024, General Atomics unveiled its new XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for the US Air Force. The XQ-67A represents a significant advancement in UAV technology, offering enhanced capabilities for aircrew situational awareness and mission effectiveness. It's part of the US Air Force's broader efforts to develop a network of loyal wingman drones capable of supporting manned aircraft in various combat scenarios. While specifics are still under wraps, the XQ-67A successfully completed its maiden flight recently, paving the way for further testing and potential deployment in the future. #military #defense #defence #aerospace #aviation #aircraft #aircrafts #airplane #airplanes #aviationlovers #militaryaviation #militaryaircraft #fighterjet #engineering #technology #militarytechnology #defensetechnology #defenseinnovation #defenseindustry

💪 The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has partnered with AeroVironment to support design works for the agency’s naval vertical takeoff and landing concept. The project is part of the Pentagon’s ANCILLARY program, which seeks shipborne unmanned aerial systems for contested maritime operations. Under the initiative, the company will model an offering based on its proprietary Wildcat VTOL. “Wildcat leans on autonomy to reduce operational burdens while enabling safe, infrastructure-less launch and recovery in challenging conditions from a range of Navy ships,” AeroVironment MacCready Works VP Chris Fisher said. “Our solutions are specifically crafted for the operator and Wildcat is no exception. [AeroVironment] has a strong history of seamlessly integrating our systems into a soldier’s daily operations and we look forward to further developing this design in partnership with DARPA and the Office of Naval Research for the ANCILLARY program.” #military #army #defense #defence #defenseindustry #defenceindustry #defensetech #defencetech #militarytech #technology #innovation #darpa #drone #drones #uas #uav #darpa #aerospace #aviation #militaryaviation #aerovironmnet

Reconnaissance #aircraft are specialized military planes designed to gather intelligence and conduct surveillance. They collect data through a range of sensors such as cameras, radar, and infrared equipment, enabling them to monitor enemy movements, terrain, and activities without direct engagement. These aircraft often fly at high altitudes or have stealth capabilities to avoid detection. Some well-known reconnaissance aircraft include: - U-2 Spy Plane: Famous for its use during the Cold #War, this high-altitude aircraft gathers detailed #photographic intelligence. - RQ-4 Global Hawk: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used for long-endurance missions and real-time surveillance. - SR-71 #Blackbird : A fast, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft that operated at speeds over #Mach 3. These #planes play a crucial role in modern warfare and intelligence gathering, offering real-time situational awareness. #engineering #technology Follow Mehdi Shiravi for more videos

🌟 🚁 Did You Know the MQ-1 Predator is the Pioneer of Today's Drones? 🚁☁️ In the mid-1990s, Commander Jack Thompson tested the MQ-1 Predator, a revolutionary drone. Its maiden mission showcased its real-time surveillance capabilities and high-altitude reconnaissance, providing crucial intelligence without risking lives, which eventually led to reshaping military strategies. Over the years, the Predator's impact extended beyond its initial role. Its versatility allowed it to adapt to various missions, from supporting ground troops in remote areas to aiding disaster response efforts. Retired by the U.S. Air Force in 2018, the legacy of the MQ-1 Predator endures, having laid the foundation for modern UAV capabilities and shaping the future of unmanned aerial operations in both military and civilian sectors. #UAV #MQ1Predator #DroneRevolution #AerospaceInnovation #TechHistory

The US Marines are trying to make their MQ-9 Reaper drones more difficult to detect by equipping them with a secretive high-tech pod that can counter enemy sensors, according to the service’s top officer as per a report by Defense Scoop. The report said that Marine Corps is acquiring MQ-9 long-endurance unmanned aerial systems to provide #intelligence, #surveillance and #reconnaissance capabilities and to serve as a secure #communications gateway and network bridge for the joint force. Officials envision the platforms exchanging data with satellites, other drones and aircraft, ships, expeditionary advanced bases, land maneuver forces, ground control stations and land-based sensors. “Some of the pods that go on our MQ-9s are classified ... There’s a type of pod that can mimic things that are sent to it that it detects, turn it around and send it back. So it becomes a hole, it becomes a black hole, it becomes mostly undetectable.” - Gen. Eric Smith said

The MQ-9B SeaGuardian #drone, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is revolutionizing anti-submarine warfare (#ASW) capabilities. The drone can deploy #sonobuoys to detect and track enemy submarines, launch precision-guided munitions, and deploy small drones. Its long endurance and advanced sensors make it a cost-effective alternative to manned aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon. Key points: 1. The SeaGuardian can establish an extensive surveillance network by deploying numerous sonobuoys, enhancing situational awareness in maritime environments. 2. India is finalizing a deal to acquire 31 MQ-9B drones, with 15 SeaGuardians for the Indian Navy to counter China's growing submarine presence in the Indian Ocean. 3. The drone offers over 30 hours of continuous operation, compared to the P-8I Poseidon's 10-12 hours, and costs significantly less per hour to operate. 4. In addition to anti-submarine warfare, the SeaGuardian is capable of anti-surface warfare and electronic warfare operations. 5. The drone can integrate with normal air traffic, operate in challenging weather conditions, and support various payloads for mission-specific needs. The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a versatile and cost-effective solution for maritime domain operations, offering advanced capabilities to the #USNavy, Marine Corps, #India, Japan and their NATO allies.

April 29 Red Sea Update TAMPA, Fla. – Between 10:00 a.m. and 5:20 p.m. (Sanaa time) on April 29, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) and three UAVs from Yemen into the Red Sea towards MV Cyclades, a Malta-flagged, Greece-owned vessel. Initial reports indicate there were no injuries and the vessel continued on its way. Earlier, at 7:49 a.m., U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully engaged and destroyed one Houthi launched airborne unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on a flight path towards USS Philippine Sea and USS Laboon in the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damages reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. It was determined the UAV presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. https://ow.ly/mP1A50RrufL