The ministry announced the decision on June 28, 2024, signaling a potential escalation as Moscow warned it may take forceful actions to deter US and other NATO reconnaissance aircraft.  

According to the ministry, these surveillance drones, mainly flying out of the Sigonella Naval Air Station in Sicily, are conducting intelligence and targeting operations to assist Ukraine with precision weapons supplied by Western countries aimed at Russian facilities. 

鈥淭his indicates a heightened involvement of the US and other NATO countries in the Ukrainian conflict on the side of the Kyiv regime,鈥� the ministry stated.  

Citing military sources, Russian daily reported that on June 24, 2024, a Global Hawk was near Crimea during a Ukrainian missile strike on Sevastopol, allegedly carried out with ATACMS missiles supplied by Washington to Kyiv.  

The missile attack left three people dead and at least 100 injured in Sevastopol, according to local governor Mikhail Razvojaev. Sevastopol, a major naval port and the location of the Russian Black Sea Fleet headquarters, is frequently the focus of Ukrainian attacks. 

The ministry further warned that such drone flights increase the risk of incidents involving Russian military aircraft, potentially leading to direct confrontations between NATO and Russia.  

鈥淣ATO members will bear responsibility for that.鈥� the ministry concluded. 

On March 14, 2023, two Russian Su-27 Flankers intercepted a USAF MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea. One of the fighters collided with the drone, the latter eventually crashing into international waters.聽

USAF releases footage of Russian Su-27 colliding with MQ-9 Reaper drone

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2023-03-16

Despite the withdrawal, officials emphasized that the two nations aim to continue collaborating on mutual interests in the region.  

“We have a lengthy history with them going back well over a decade, and working with them over the course of these discussions proved out that that relationship is very strong,” explained a senior defense official in a statement from the US Department of Defense. “Obviously, we’re working against the backdrop of much more challenging political situation.” 

In March 2024, the Nigerien junta demanded the departure of around 1,000 US service members.

The majority of US troops are stationed at Niger Air Base 201, near the city of Agadez in central Niger. The construction of the base, which began in 2016, cost over $100 million. In 2019, the US Africa Command commenced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in the region using MQ-9 Reaper drones from the base. 

After the coup d’茅tat against Niger President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023, which installed a military junta called the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) in power, several military cooperation agreements previously made with Western countries were canceled. 

France was the first to leave the country. On December 22, 2023, French forces left Air Base 101 Niamey. Located on Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM) territory, this facility was established to support Operation Barkhane, a counter-terrorism mission in the Sahel region.  

First French nationals evacuated from Niger arrive in Paris

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2023-08-02

With Option 2 of the program now complete, the two companies will now move forward with Options 3 and 4.  

After Option 1, which culminated in a Preliminary Design Review that assessed the weapon system designs presented by all manufacturers, Option 2 involved rigorous assessments, including system performance, cost efficiency, scheduling, program risk, and key imperatives from the US Army. Option 3 will focus on flight demonstrations. Finally, Option 4 will concentrate on the delivery of production-ready prototypes, enabling rigorous testing and operational showcases. 

鈥淔TUAS provides the Brigade with an organic capability to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance operations that collect, develop, and report actionable intelligence, allowing the Warfighter to maintain dominance during Multi-Domain Operations,鈥� the US Army Program Executive Office, Aviation, explained in a statement. 鈥淚n summary, FTUAS provides transformational capabilities including, VTOL for runway independence, On-The-Move command and control, Soldier-led field level maintenance, and enables rapid capability insertions, further allowing the system to keep pace with technology.鈥� 

The FTUAS is designed to replace the AAI RQ-7 Shadow drone by introducing an Unmanned Aircraft System, or UAS, with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities independent of traditional runways. This aircraft will have a minimal acoustic signature, be easy to transport, and provide commanders with the ability to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. 

The RQ-7 Shadow, first introduced in 2002, is a medium-sized drone with a range of 110 kilometers (68 miles) used for reconnaissance, target spotting, and damage assessment. 

The announcement was made on April 10, 2024, at the International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) in Santiago, Chile. 

As part of the initiative, the Brazilian Air Force and Embraer will leverage existing operational platforms, such as the C-390 Millennium aircraft, for ISR missions. The collaboration will look at the adaptability of Embraer platforms to meet evolving challenges and technological advancements. 

鈥淭he Brazilian Air Force constantly monitors its ability to fulfill its missions completely in the current context, while also looking at future challenges and the evolution of technologies,鈥� said Lieutenant-Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, the Brazilian Air Force Commander. 鈥淪tudying the adherence and adaptability of Embraer platforms to the future challenges of these missions is an expected way to maximize commonality and technological autonomy.鈥�

To illustrate the announcement, a render showing the C-390 airlifter configured for maritime patrol missions was released. It is equipped with two anti-ship missiles mounted on hardpoints under its wings.

Embraer maintains a strong partnership with the Brazilian Air Force, having designed multiple aircraft for their fleet. Notably, it has repurposed civilian airframes for specialized missions, converting the ERJ 145 civil regional jet into the R-99 airborne early warning and control aircraft and transforming the EMB 110 into the P-95 maritime patrol aircraft. 

Embraer C-390 reaches Full Operational Capability with Brazilian Air Force

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2023-04-04

The substantial investment will be directed towards essential airfield and infrastructure improvements at Trenton. Among the planned upgrades are the development and design of a two-bay hangar, enhancements to the apron and runway, taxiways, and other supporting infrastructure. These renovations are vital for CFB Trenton to serve as the Eastern Main Operating Base for the incoming CC-330 Husky fleet.

The announcement follows the Government of Canada’s contract award to Airbus Defence and Space in July 2023, valued at CAD 3 billion ($2.2 billion), for the procurement of four newly built Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and the conversion of five used A330-200s.

The A330 MRTT, designated CC-330 Husky for the Canadian Armed Forces, was selected over the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus as part of the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) program. This initiative aims to modernize and expand the RCAF’s aging fleet of CC-150 Polaris aircraft.

Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair emphasized the significance of the STTC Project, which will see Canada acquiring nine CC-330 Husky aircraft, effectively doubling the size of the previous fleet. Presently, two Husky aircraft have been delivered to Canada, with the second joining the fleet on February 16, 2024.

While initially configured for transport, the CC-330 Husky will undergo conversion to serve as a multi-role tanker transport aircraft, providing the RCAF with enhanced capabilities for various air mobility missions, including air-to-air refueling, passenger transport, aeromedical evacuation, and strategic transport.

During his visit, Blair also welcomed a new addition to the Canadian Armed Forces fleet: the CE-145C Vigilance. This modified Beechcraft King Air 350ER turboprop aircraft, produced by L3 Harris, will bolster the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) with a manned airborne intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (MAISR) capability. Equipped with sensors and secure communications equipment, these aircraft will significantly enhance situational awareness and decision-making capabilities during ground operations.

“With new fleets of fighter jets, maritime patrol aircraft, tanker and transport aircraft, and more arriving throughout the next few years, we are building the Royal Canadian Air Force of tomorrow,” Blair commented. “These significant investments in our military will enable the RCAF to better defend Canada and strengthen Canada精东影业 ability to contribute to our NORAD and NATO Alliances.鈥�

The upgrade is aimed at enhancing computing power and addressing obsolescence concerns, which will improve the autonomous aerial tanker’s performance and pave the way for future upgrades.  

鈥淏AE Systems is a leader in flight-critical systems and solutions,鈥� said Corin Beck, Senior Director of Military Aircraft Systems for Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. 鈥淥ur upgraded VMSC for the MQ-25 will deliver advanced functionality鈥攅nabling this platform to execute today and tomorrow精东影业 critical missions, while also reducing the amount of hardware required on the aircraft through consolidation into this computer.鈥� 

The MQ-25 is the first carrier-based uncrewed aircraft used by the US Navy. The drone will replace the F/A-18 fighters currently assigned to this role, with 20% to 30% of their flight time currently dedicated to refueling missions. The MQ-25 will allow the US Navy to preserve the service life of the Super Hornets.  

The upgraded VMSC from BAE Systems will control flight surfaces and oversee overall vehicle management duties for the MQ-25. It will also enable the Stingray to perform future missions beyond aerial refueling, including support for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) payloads. 

On December 21, 2021, the US Navy and Boeing completed the first series of tests on the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refueler on the deck of an aircraft carrier. 

MQ-25 tanker drone completes first carrier deck testing

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2021-12-21

Developed in tandem with Boeing Defence Australia, the MQ-28A aims to act as a so-called 鈥榣oyal wingman鈥�, safeguarding and assisting military assets and pilots by engaging in various missions, including combat duties.

The 11.7-meter (38-foot) long unmanned aerial vehicle will be capable of providing fighter-like performance, with a range of over 3,700 kilometers (2,000 nautical miles). Its missions will cover intelligence support, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare.聽

The next phase of the program will focus on delivering three Block 2 aircraft. equipped with new sensor and mission payloads, an integrated combat system and autonomous functionalities. 

“This is the first military aircraft to be designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years and underscores the depth of innovation and expertise in our defence industry,” said Pat Conroy, Australian Minister for the Defence Industry. 

The Loyal Wingman drone successfully completed its maiden flight in March 2021. Thanks to artificial intelligence, it should eventually be able to fly both autonomously or in support of other manned or unmanned aircraft, in swarms of four to six units. 

The approval for the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) was granted by the US State Department on February 1, 2024, with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notifying Congress of the development. 

The deal, negotiated with prime contractor General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, takes in 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones, along with a variety of equipment, including 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, 310 GBU-39B/B Laser Small Diameter Bombs (LSDBs), sensors, and communication systems. 

The MQ-9B Sky Guardian is an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for long-endurance, high-altitude missions. Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the MQ-9B is an evolution of the earlier MQ-9 Reaper, featuring enhanced capabilities and modernized systems.  

With a wingspan of over 24 meters (79 feet) and the ability to stay airborne for more than 40 hours, the Sky Guardian is a versatile platform which can be used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike missions. It is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, including radar, cameras and communication systems, allowing it to operate in a variety of environments and provide real-time data. 

鈥淭his proposed sale will improve India精东影业 capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation,鈥� the State Department stated in its notification to Congress, hinting that the aircraft will mainly be used in maritime operations.  

India has been facing growing maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, including piracy, trafficking, and unregulated fishing by Chinese fleets. 

Many nations have adopted one or another form of UAV for surveillance and communication, and a smaller number of them also operate drones capable of combat.鈥疻hether using air-to-ground missiles, laser-guided bombs, or (experimental) air-to-air capability, most of today精东影业 aerial missions appear capable of being performed by drones, prompting the question of how long manned military jets might last before they potentially become a historical footnote. 

Not all combat drones are created equal, however. Some of them are simply enhanced versions of surveillance UAVs, while others were built to be almost as capable as the most advanced jet fighters. Some have stealth capabilities and can carry an impressive array of weapons, while others were designed to be as cheap and as easy to mass produce as possible.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

The criteria for comparing them remain consistent. Here we aim to highlight the most efficient, capable and combat-ready options, paying close attention to factors such as performance, endurance, armament and the current status of each given program.

Honorable mentions for 2024聽聽

General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper聽

Though not the most advanced drone by today精东影业 standards, this is certainly the most widely produced, adopted and used. With numerous modifications, a dozen operators and millions of flight hours, the MQ-9 Reaper is the major success story of the modern drone war, single-handedly carrying entire armed conflicts and generating too many controversies to count.鈥疶he Reaper is still racking up orders to this day: in December 2023, Canada ordered 11 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones. 

础补谤辞办听

The Aarok, France’s next-generation combat UAV, is expected to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions with high-performance optronic and electromagnetic sensors.  

Unveiled during the 2023 Paris Air Show by the French defense company Turgis & Gaillard, this unmanned aircraft is anticipated to become the largest combat drone ever manufactured in France, boasting an impressive 22-meter wingspan. Only time will tell if it can deliver what it promises.  

10. TAI Aksungur聽

Starting a parade of medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs, Aksungur is one of many alternatives to the Reaper. It was produced in Turkey as a further development of smaller predecessors. 

It has been in service since October 20, 2021, when it was first . Other current operators include the Turkish Air Force and the Kyrgyz Border Guard in Kyrgyzstan, with a total of 12 drones being delivered as of 2023. 

What gives Aksungur the edge over many similar designs is its impressive reported . 

9. The Chengdu GJ-2 / Wing Loong II聽

Although only introduced in 2017, the export version of this Chinese drone has already proved itself in several Middle Eastern conflicts in the hands of the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan and Egypt have purchased dozens of them, too. 

It can carry up to 480 kilograms (kg) of laser-guided bombs and missiles, and the manufacturer claims it has the capability to deploy . 

Its latest version is Chengdu Wing Loong-3, which has been in service since 2022.  

8. Altair / Sokol Altius聽

Although in long and turbulent development since 2011, this MALE UAV was revealed during its maiden flight in 2019 and was set for adoption by Russian Air Force in 2021. However, only three prototypes have been built, and no further news has emerged since. 

Its manufacturer claims that it offers endurance of 24 hours and a payload of 1,000 kg 鈥� impressive for an aircraft that is larger and heavier than most of its competitors. (It should be noted that Altair is the name of the development program and Altius the name of the aircraft itself, but the two names are often mixed up, even by the manufacturer.) 

7. Bayraktar Kizilema聽

Developed by Baykar in Turkey, the Bayraktar Kizilelma fighter is said to be an advanced UAV designed with maneuverability and stealth in mind.  

It is expected to operate at a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet (about 9 kilometers), with a combat radius of 500 nautical miles and a five-hour airborne autonomy, with a payload capacity of 1,500 kg. With two prototypes already having been constructed, it is anticipated to enter service by 2025. 

6. Hongdu GJ-11聽

Precious little is known about the Chinese stealth UAV with the nickname 鈥楽harp Sword鈥�. It was first flown in 2013 and by October 2021 was being showcased at .  

However, what is known is that the absence of a tail in its design and enable agile, high-speed maneuvers. Its internal weapons bay is said to carry over 1,800 kg of payload. According to reported specifications, it boasts a range of 2,485 miles (4,000 km) and can achieve a top speed of 621 mph (1,000 km/h).聽

5. Bayraktar TB2聽

The Bayraktar TB2 is a MALE unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) capable of conducting autonomous flight operations. Made by Turkey and primarily intended for the Turkish Armed Forces, as of 2023.  

The Bayraktar drones have found application in various conflicts worldwide, including deployment by Azerbaijan in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, and by the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the Russian invasion.  

Equipped with an advanced sensor package, the TB2 can effectively guide other assets such as drones and missiles to targets while of defensive systems.

4. Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B聽

Russia精东影业 first stealth combat drone is a continuation of an earlier MiG project called 鈥楽kat鈥�. The Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik drone is powered by an AL-31 turbojet engine and is expected to fly at a top speed of 1,000 kilometers per hour, with a range of 6,000 kilometers. But what differentiates this UAV from other similar aircraft is its size: it can carry almost three tons of armament and has an operational range of 6,000 km.  

Okhotnik is designed to function in tandem with the Su-57 fifth-generation jet fighter and is set to enter into service with the Russian Air Force by 2025. Currently, there are two operational prototypes of Okhotnik B. 

3. XQ-58A Valkyrie聽

Valkyrie is the next logical step in the evolution of UAVs 鈥� designed to serve as support to fighter jets, relying on either direct control of its manned peers or onboard AI. It can scout the battlefield, engage the enemy and sacrifice itself to shield manned aircraft. 

The most impressive part of this whole package is the price, as the drone is supposed to eventually 鈥� comparable to a cruise missile and just a tiny fraction of the cost of an actual fighter jet.  

Being almost as capable as manned fighters, but with the advantage of being cheap and easily replaceable, allows an army to produce entire swarms of the type, overwhelming any kind of enemy defense. Though still currently in the prototype testing stage, Valkyrie . 

2. BAE Systems Taranis / Dassault nEUROn聽

Two for one: similar in their features and capabilities but developed separately by a British conglomerate led by defense company BAE Systems and a partnership of European manufacturers led by French Dassault Aviation respectively, these two technology demonstrators are some of the most advanced flying wing stealth UAVs.  

Their intended purpose was to explore the prospect of delivering up to two tonnes of well-regulated European explosives in high-threat zones and defending themselves from both ground-based and aerial adversaries.  

The Taranis was, at least initially, supposed to be supersonic, while nEUROn精东影业 design has an emphasis on functioning in autonomous cooperation with manned aircraft, as a trusty wingman. Both aircraft were successfully tested, achieving their first flights in 2013 and 2012 respectively.  

In 2014, a contract was signed between France and the United Kingdom to combine their development into the new Future Combat Air System, a European fighter drone. However, this was dropped following Brexit. The name FCAS was later picked up for both Dassault-Airbus and BAE-Leonardo sixth-generation fighter jet programs. As of 2020, the Taranis project appears to have been integrated into UK精东影业 Project Tempest, while nEUROn continues to undergo testing.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

1. Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat聽

Developed by Boeing Australia, the MQ-28 Ghost Bat is a UCAV that incorporates AI and will possess the capability to communicate with sixth-generation fighters and bombers.  

Boasting a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and a combat radius of 900 miles, this Loyal Wingman will be equipped with integrated sensor packages on board to facilitate Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations, as well as tactical early warning missions and more.  

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat is expected to be operational with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during the timeframe, with . The United States Air Force is also considering acquiring the system. 

In a statement issued on January 15, 2024, Airbus said an agreement had been reached for the acquisition of Aerovel and its unmanned aerial system, Flexrotor.聽

Flexrotor is able to perform a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and can then transition into transition into horizontal wing-borne flight.  

The drone can be used by armed forces to carry out intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, and protect military bases with enemy alert capabilities.  

“We are looking forward to welcoming Aerovel into the Airbus family. This strategic acquisition aligns with our vision to expand our UAS offering and respond to a growing customer demand worldwide for additional mission capabilities such as manned-unmanned teaming,鈥� Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said. 

Even added: 鈥淎erovel’s expertise in autonomous flight technology will undoubtedly complement our UAS development with the VSR700 (unmanned reconnaissance helicopter), as well as the work that we have been doing to develop interoperability.鈥�  

With a maximum launch weight of 25kg, Flexrotor can execute missions for more than 12-14 hours in a typical operational configuration. 

The drone only needs a launch/land area of 12 by 12ft and can operate from both land and sea with a real-time camera.  

Flexrotor has already been used by the United States (US) Navy so is already mission-proved under challenging conditions. 

“Joining forces with Airbus will allow us to scale innovation, accelerate our mission to advance unmanned aviation, and maintain our unwavering support for the US military and its allies. We are proud to become part of an organization with a rich legacy of aerospace excellence and we look forward to leveraging our combined strengths to define the future of autonomous systems. It will also be a great tribute to our Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Tad McGeer, who has spent the last 30 years committed to delivering innovative unmanned products,鈥� Ali Dian, CEO of Aerovel, said. 

As well as within military environments the drone can also be used for forest fire surveillance or to air with ice navigation. 

According to Aerovel, Flexrotor can also be used for a variety of other government uses, security operations and law enforcement. 

Aerovel will remain a US-owned company and continue collaboration with the US Department of Defense under Airbus鈥� Special Security Agreement (SSA).聽聽聽

Aerovel精东影业 legacy of innovation continues with the Flexrotor, a multi-INT with long endurance for demanding ISR missions. Flexrotor精东影业 endurance is 14-32 hours, payload dependent. Learn more about our 32 hour, 8 minute flight:

— Aerovel Corporation (@AerovelCorp)

The acquisition has been approved by the relevant bodies of both companies. It remains subject to regulatory approvals, as well as other customary conditions. Transaction closing is expected in 2024.聽

Ukraine claims to have hit two Russian command aircraft over Sea of Azov

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2024-01-15