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.
Navy CCA Program’s Shape Coming into Focus
Oct. 17, 2025
In announcing its Navy Collaborative Combat Aircraft contract, General Atomics has provided some clues as to where the service is heading with its version of an armed, autonomous fighter escort. It will likely be quite different from the Air Force version.
