US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States is preparing to deploy what he described as the most advanced series of unmanned aerial vehicles in the world, speaking during an address in Baltimore.
Addressing an audience in the port city of Baltimore, Maryland, Trump claimed that no existing drones anywhere in the world would compare to the upcoming American fleet. He added that observers would simply not believe their eyes when they see the new series of aircraft.
Pentagon search for Reaper replacement
The president's remarks follow reports that the Pentagon has begun studying options to purchase an affordable replacement for the MQ-9 Reaper drone. The Pentagon, located in Arlington, Virginia, serves as the headquarters for the US Department of Defense and manages military acquisition programs across all service branches.
The military department has proposed initiating purchases of drones manufactured according to the specifications of the Massed Modular Aircraft program, also referred to as MMA. The initiative focuses on creating small and inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles designed for high-density operational deployment.
According to military proposals, the mass production and lower unit cost of the MMA drones will enable them to penetrate enemy air defense systems through sheer numbers, allowing commanders to execute missions without concern over potential aircraft losses. The MQ-9 Reaper, developed by defense contractor General Atomics, has served for years as a primary platform for US military intelligence, surveillance, and precision strikes.
Russian drone developments in Chelyabinsk
The announcement comes as other major powers continue to showcase developments in their own uncrewed aviation fleets. In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin was shown updated Geran-4 and Geran-5 drones equipped with jet engines during an official inspection of military hardware.
Putin reviewed the new weapon models at the Chebarkulsky training ground in the Chelyabinsk Region, an industrial area located in the Ural Mountains. The demonstration highlighted ongoing efforts to incorporate jet propulsion into unmanned aerial vehicles to boost flight speeds and penetration capabilities during modern military operations.
