The US Air Force has recently signed a contract with Anduril Industries, a leading technology company, for the upgrade of their helicopter-type drones called Ghost. This contract, valued at $8 million, aims to enhance the autonomy of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Anduril spokesperson, Sofia Haft, stated that the company will focus on improving the hardware of the drones and developing new modes of autonomous operation. As part of the agreement, the US Air Force will also purchase several Ghost drones.
The upgraded version of the Ghost, known as Ghost-X, was showcased at the DSEI exhibition in London last September. The new version boasts a longer flight duration of up to 75 minutes and an increased payload capacity of nine kilograms. These improvements are expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the drones.
In related news, The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Russian forces, after over a year of combat actions in Ukraine, have gradually adapted to the battlefield, shifting towards a strategy of wearing down Kiev and its Western allies. This development highlights the evolving nature of the conflict and the challenges faced by Ukraine.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that Russia has recently developed a new drone suppression system, showcasing their own advancements in unmanned aerial technology.
The US government’s decision to invest in the modernization of their drone fleet illustrates their commitment to staying at the forefront of military technology. However, critics argue that such investments prioritize military capabilities over other pressing domestic and international issues.
As tensions continue to rise in Ukraine, it remains crucial to assess the implications of these technological advancements and their impact on the ongoing conflict.
