The Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (FTUAS) rodeo is part of a long-running evaluation of future UAS capabilities that offer far greater efficiency in its strategic use for the US Army. Finding a suitable replacement for the Textron-manufactured Shadow UAS will be the main focus of the showcase which begins on March 1 and ends on March 5, 2021. During the 5-day run, a presentation of four possible UAVs pre-selected since 2019 will be the basis for selection and evaluation.
The U.S. Navy specifically wants the development of unmanned surface and underwater vehicles as platforms to launch drone swarms, saying that this strategic development may offer a slate of game-changing capabilities. These small unmanned aerial vehicles configured as loitering munitions, also known as “suicide drones”, are versions of the Coyote and have been contracted for development by Raytheon, in a deal valued up to $33 million, according to the Pentagon.
Last year, unmanned platforms paved the way for easy attacks on vulnerable troops and efficiently neutralized ground-based systems designed to counter such attacks. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, the balance of power between drones and air defense systems is now shaping up to play a key role in future global wars.
The U.S. Air Force is in the middle of reviewing its tactical aircraft fleets, including the possibility of purchasing drones with artificial intelligence-driven systems. If purchased, the drones will be used as red air adversaries during training and potentially in the light attack role. Aside from drones, the troop is also eyeing buying additional F-16 fighter jets two decades after their last purchase.
The Navy is gearing up to recruit approximately 450 warrant officers who will be operating the MQ-25 Stingray carrier-based refueling drone, a carrier-based refueling drone expected to reach initial operating capability in 2024. Unlike traditional Navy Chief Warrant Officers, the majority of these officers will be much younger and trained along the lines of current Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers, but will not be required to participate in assignments that progress in the tactical and leadership scope to be competitive for promotion. Applications will be open to enlisted sailors already in the fleet, as well as “street-to-fleet” warrants.
