The Air Force says it is poised to issue a solicitation to industry soon for information on concepts for a next-generation unmanned aerial system that would be more capable than the current MQ-1 Predators and MQ-9 Reapers for finding and attacking fleeting targets. In a pre-solicitation notice issued in May, USAF said it is interested in proven and emerging technologies that could be at a level of maturity in 2010 to make the fielding of the new UAS possible in 2015. Among the desired attributes are: enhanced survivability and maneuverability, high subsonic dash speeds, twice the payload capacity compared to the Reaper, and greater automation for reduced manpower demands.
NATO Scrambles Fighter in Newest Response to Russian Drones
Sept. 16, 2025
NATO scrambled its first fighter Sept. 13 under its new plan to bolster its defenses against Russian air incursions that was put into place after an array of Russian drones flew into Polish airspace last week, the officials from the alliance’s military command said.
