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India.com
12 hours ago
- India.com
MQ-9 Reaper, Bayraktar TB2, Hermes 900...: Meet world's most advanced combat military drones; Pakistan has two, India has...
The MQ-9 Reaper, aka the Predator drone, is arguably the world's most advanced and the deadliest combat drone. (File) Most advanced drones: Combat drones have completely changed how wars are fought in modern age, and played a critical role in several major conflicts across the globe in recent times, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Iran war, and the recent India-Pakistan conflict. Let us take a look at some of the world's deadliest and most advanced combat military drones, and find out how many of these India has in its arsenal. Here are the world most advanced military drones: MQ-9 Reaper (Predator drone) The US-made MQ-9 Reaper, commonly known as the Predator drone, is arguably the world's most advanced and dangerous military drone, capable of tracking and destroying enemy targets from including battle tanks, military bases, and radar installations from an altitude of over 50,000 feet. This advanced drone is equipped with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and laser targeting systems. The Predator drone can carry up to eight Hellfire missiles and around 1,700 kilos of explosives, making it a deadly offensive weapon for any country. India has finalized a deal with the US to acquire a fleet of 31 Predator drones. Bayraktar TB2 The Bayraktar TB2 drone is perhaps the most famous military drone manufactured by Turkey, and gained notoriety for essentially changing the course of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, when Azerbaijan, despite having a smaller military force, used these advanced military drones and Israeli Kamikaze drones, to hand a decisive defeat to Armenia — a larger military power who had Russian T72 tanks, missiles and rockets. Known for its deadly, precise attacks, the Bayraktar TB2 is capable of flying continuously for 27 hours and can reach a height of 25,000 feet. It can carry four laser-guided bombs or rockets and is able to track and neutralize its targets using its onboard tracking system, without the need of GPS or other external guidance systems. RQ-4 Global Hawk A staple of the US Air Force, the Northrop Grumman's RQ-4 Global Hawk is an advanced surveillance drone, which can fly continuously for over 30 hours at an altitude of more than 60,000 feet. Equipped with a synthetic aperture radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, the RQ-4 Global Hawk is capable of monitoring a large area in all weather conditions irrespective of time of the day. CH-5 Rainbow Developed by the Beijing's state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the CH-5 Rainbow is a multirole combat drone that can fly continuously at an altitude of 30,000 feet for up to 60 hours, and carry a payload of up to 1000 kg. The drone is equipped with advanced electro-optical and infrared sensors, allowing it capture high-resolution imagery and highly-accurate targeting data. Hermes 900 The Israeli-made Hermes 900 is one of the world's most advanced combat drones. Developed by Israel's Elbit Systems, the multirole UCAV can fly at an altitude of up to 30,000 feet for over 36 hours at a time. The drone can carry a payload of up to 350 kg, and is equipped with advanced sensors for surveillance mission. Apart from Israel, India is among the few countries to induct the Hermes 900 UCAV into its armed forces. S-70 Okhotnik Developed by Russian aerospace manufacturer Sukhoi, the S-70 Okhotnik, aka the Hunter drone, is a next-generation stealth Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), featuring advanced stealth features for strike and reconnaissance missions deep inside enemy territory. The Russian drone has a flying-wing with a similar width to that of the US' famous B-2 bomber, and boasts an operational range of about 6,000 km (3,700 miles), reaching speeds of up to a 1,000 kmph (621 mph). TAI Aksungur UCAV The Turkish-made TAI Aksungur drone, which was used Pakistan against India during Operation Sindoor, is a twin-engine, medium-altitude long-endurance UCAV developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The advanced UCAV is designed for multirole missions, including surveillance, maritime patrol and combat operation, and can carry a payload of up to 750 kg, including guided weapons such as MAM-L smart micro munitions and Roketsan SOM missiles. The TAI Aksungur UCAV can reach an altitude of up to 40,000 feet and fly continuously for nearly 50 hours. Which drones does India have? Out of the ones listed above, India currently employs the Israeli-made Hermes 900, but also inked a deal with the United States to acquire the MQ-9 Reaper, aka the Predator drone. Pakistan, India's arch rival, has two out of the above list– the TAI Aksungur UCAV and the Bayraktar TB2 combat drone– both Turkish-made.
American Military News
31-07-2025
- Politics
- American Military News
New bill would block Trump admin from using military drones to 'spy' on protesters
A Democrat lawmaker in the U.S. House of Representatives has introduced legislation in an attempt to prohibit President Donald Trump's administration from using military drones to 'spy' on Americans engaging in protests. According to Fox News, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) introduced the Ban Military Drones Spying on Civilians Act following reports that Trump's Department of Homeland Security allegedly used MQ-9 Reaper drones to provide surveillance during the recent violent protests and riots against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles. In a Sunday post on X, formerly Twitter, Gomez tweeted, 'The U.S. government should never use military drones to spy on its own people. Not under Trump. Not under anyone. I introduced the Ban Military Drones Spying on Civilians Act to stop Trump's abuse of power & get these drones out of our neighborhoods.' According to NBC Los Angeles, the Department of Homeland Security's drones were documented by aviation trackers in early June after the drones reportedly passed through Arizona airspace while traveling back and forth to Los Angeles during the major riots. The outlet noted that public flight data also pointed to the presence of drones operated by the Department of Homeland Security throughout the region of Southern California. 'This is meant to intimidate. This is meant to surveil, to do surveillance of individuals engaged in protest,' Gomez told NBC Los Angeles. READ MORE: Video: 'American Drone Dominance' unleashed by Trump admin The Democrat representative added, 'It's not like they're being used in a manhunt. It's strictly to see and surveil who is actually participating in these protests, and that could have a chilling effect when it comes to people's right to free speech and the right to assemble.' According to NBC Los Angeles, Gomez explained that the Ban Military Drones Spying on Civilians Act would limit the Department of Homeland Security's use of military drones to missions regarding border security and anti-smuggling operations. 'They have legitimate uses,' Gomez stated. 'But I don't believe in the use of these drones for surveilling a protest, no matter if you disagree with what they're protesting about, they shouldn't be used for those purposes.' Fox News reported that while the Ban Military Drones Spying on Civilians Act has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, it is not likely that the House of Representatives will move forward with the legislation under the current Republican majority.
Fox News
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Democrat moves to block Trump admin from using military drones to monitor protests after LA riots
A House Democrat is moving to block the Trump administration from being able to use military-grade drones to surveil protests in the U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., introduced the bill in response to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reportedly using MQ-9 Reaper drones to monitor the protests in Los Angeles earlier this year. "The U.S. government should never use military drones to spy on its own people. Not under Trump. Not under anyone," Gomez told Fox News Digital in a statement. "This bill would stop Trump's abuse of power and get these combat drones out of our neighborhoods." The White House said it would not get ahead of President Donald Trump on pending legislation. Fox News Digital also reached out to DHS for comment. Protests, some of which turned into violent riots, rocked Los Angeles for several days last month. They began as demonstrations against Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) implementing Trump's crackdown on illegal immigrants in predominantly Hispanic or Latino neighborhoods in the Southern California city. Images of cars burning and protesters clashing with police soon went viral across the country, with both Republicans and Democrats blaming each other for escalating tensions. Like other Democrats at the time, Gomez criticized Trump for sending the National Guard into Los Angeles to take control of the situation, despite objections from Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. "What Trump is doing in LA is a dangerous abuse of power. It escalates tensions, puts lives at risk, and violates our constitutional values. We're united — not just as Californians, but as Americans — because if it can happen in LA today, it can happen anywhere in the country," Gomez wrote on X at the time. His district includes significant portions of Los Angeles and is situated entirely inside Los Angeles County. It's not likely the Republican-controlled House will take up his new bill, which has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
Newsweek
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Military Plans Reaper Drone Operations Near China, North Korea
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States will reportedly deploy the MQ-9 armed reconnaissance drone, commonly known as the Reaper, to South Korea amid growing threats from China and North Korea. The U.S. Seventh Air Force—which commands air operations in South Korea—told Newsweek that it could not discuss potential or planned operations as a matter of policy. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. The North Korean Embassy in China did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. Why It Matters Following the Korean War and the signing of a mutual defense treaty, the U.S. military has approximately 28,500 personnel—along with associated armaments such as fighter aircraft—in South Korea to deter provocations and attacks by nuclear-armed North Korea. While facing North Korea's growing military threat—including through the development of a drone that closely resembles America's Reaper aircraft—South Korea has also been challenged by China's maritime activities in the disputed waters between the two countries. What To Know Citing military officials, South Korean newspaper The Chosun Daily reported on Monday that, beginning in September, the MQ-9 drone is scheduled for a three-month extended rotational deployment in South Korea, during which it will be stationed at Kunsan Air Base. The Reaper drone, which is designed to conduct a range of missions—from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to precision strikes—has been featured in exercises held in South Korea, including its first live-fire drill on the Korean Peninsula in April 2024. A United States MQ-9 Reaper drone approaches the runway at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea on October 23, 2024. A United States MQ-9 Reaper drone approaches the runway at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea on October 23, 2024. Staff Sgt. Daniel Brosam/U.S. Air Force "Our personnel are equipped and prepared to carry out their missions with precision and professionalism," the U.S. Seventh Air Force told Newsweek, adding that the unit remains in a state of readiness while sustaining and strengthening the alliance with South Korea. The planned deployment, if confirmed, would mark the U.S. drone's longest stint in the allied country to date, according to the report. This move comes as the U.S. Air Force is set to complete the withdrawal of its South Korea-based A-10 attack aircraft by September 30. The replacement of the A-10 attack aircraft—which is designed to counter armored vehicles such as tanks—with a surveillance-focused aerial platform reflects the Pentagon's intention to deter both North Korea and China, a South Korean military official told The Chosun Daily. According to the U.S. Air Force, the Reaper aircraft is remotely controlled by a pilot and a sensor operator, with a flight range of 1,150 miles. The drone is capable of carrying up to 3,750 pounds of payload, including eight Hellfire laser-guided air-to-ground missiles. What People Are Saying Yang Uk, research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in South Korea, told The Chosun Daily: "The MQ-9 has strike capabilities, but it is fundamentally a surveillance platform." The U.S. Air Force wrote in a fact sheet of the MQ-9 drone: "The Reaper is employed primarily as an intelligence-collection asset and secondarily against dynamic execution targets. Given its significant loiter time, wide-range sensors, multi-mode communications suite, and precision weapons, it provides a unique capability to perform strike, coordination, and reconnaissance against high-value, fleeting, and time-sensitive targets." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will deploy additional aircraft to South Korea to bolster its capabilities around the Korean Peninsula. In late June, a number of upgraded F-16 fighter jets were relocated from Misawa Air Base in Japan to Osan Air Base in South Korea.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Texas National Guard continues flood response with Czech team joining effort
Kerrville, Texas — With about 100 people still missing after devastating floods, the Texas National Guard and local officials leading recovery efforts received additional international support this week when a specialized detachment from the Czech Republic arrived ready to help. Sixteen civilians and four cadaver dogs from a Czech search and rescue team landed Sunday in Texas on a U.S. military flight from Ramstein Air Base in Germany. National Guard Bureau Chief General Steve Nordhaus coordinated the team's arrival and met the team leads in person on Tuesday while he was visiting Kerrville, Texas, for updates on response efforts. "Thanks for being here, Texas and the Czech Republic were partners right from the beginning in 1993 and what just an amazing partnership," Nordhaus told the team leads at the Kerrville-Kerr County Airport. The Texas and Nebraska National Guard have since 1993 shared a military relationship with the Czech Republic as part of the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program that pairs states with countries to train together. There are over 100 partnerships with about 115 countries around the world, according to the National Guard, and the one with the Czech Republic was one of the first after the initiative began in 1991. The Czechs providing support in the wake of floods in Texas follows assistance the Texas National Guard gave last year when the Czech Republic experienced severe flooding. When a flood hit Ostrava in the Czech Republic in September 2024, a Texas Air National Guard unit training in Europe diverted an MQ-9 Reaper drone to Ostrava to provide aerial assessments for recovery efforts. In Texas, about 230 members of the Texas National Guard are currently supporting response efforts. According to the Texas National Guard, members of the guard rescued over 500 people in the initial 24 hours after the flooding began. About 360 of those were evacuated using UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. During a Black Hawk flight over the Guadalupe River Tuesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pointed out to Nordhaus flood-impacted areas, explaining where the water rose at a terrifying speed — prompting urgent evacuations — and emphasizing how intensive the search will remain for the roughly 100 people still unaccounted for. After the flight, both Abbott and Nordhaus spoke to members of the Guard who have assisted in rescue and recovery efforts since the floods began on July 4. One of the air rescues came on July 4 when two Guard helicopters evacuated 130 children from Camp Mystic, a summer camp severely impacted by floods that led to the deaths of at least 27 campers and counselors. The 130 rescued the day of the flood by the guard were evacuated from Camp Mystic and taken to higher ground, according to Captain Connor Garrison, who led one of the aircraft and recounted the mission to Nordhaus and Abbott. "I appreciate you, I couldn't be prouder," Abbott told Garrison and other members of the Guard. The Texas National Guard is receiving support from other states like Arkansas, Arizona and North Dakota, which are providing additional personnel or equipment. For instance, North Dakota has sent down one of its own MQ-9 Reaper drones to help survey debris scattered along the still swollen Guadalupe River. Mike Johnson breaks from Trump, calls on DOJ to release Epstein files Trump says Powell is "terrible" for not lowering interest rates, denies plans to fire him Apps help undocumented people avoid immigration agents and ICE raids
