The 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron’s MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle’s state-of-the-art reconnaissance cameras constantly keep watch over the terrain surrounding Balad AB, Iraq, looking for suspicious activities. The Predator can spot the origin of a mortar attack and pass the information to ground forces, which then apprehend the suspects. The Predator provides base defense by countering rocket and mortar attacks and providing protection from [improvised explosive devices],” A1C Lucas Froschheiser, Predator sensor operator, told Air Force journalist SrA. Candace Romano. According to Maj. Craig Babbitt, 46th ERS commander, approximately 25 insurgents were apprehended through Predator base defense missions around Balad in the past three months.
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
