Inspired by Ukraine's experience, the U.S. Army wants Ukrainian-style drones with ammunition-dropping equipment

By: Maksim Panasovskyi | 08.10.2023, 13:43
Inspired by Ukraine's experience, the U.S. Army wants Ukrainian-style drones with ammunition-dropping equipment

The US Army intends to arm itself with "Ukrainian-type" bomber drones. Two companies have responded to the military service's request.

Here's What We Know

The US army wants to equip drones with ammunition drop systems. Ukraine has demonstrated the effectiveness of such weapons by destroying several hundred Russian tanks and armoured vehicles. For example, this week a modernised T-90M "Breakthrough" tank worth $2.5-4.5 million was eliminated this way.

The US Army has selected two companies to demonstrate ammunition drop systems for small unmanned aerial vehicles. This was announced by Dan Hilty, a spokesman for the Army Applications Laboratory. However, he did not mention the names of the companies.

The new system should enable soldiers to safely attach and detach projectiles, including 40mm and 60mm grenades. Drones approved by the US Department of Defence for military use will be used to demonstrate the technology.

The US Army is also considering arming its units with small kamikaze drones. To this end, the service has launched the Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) programme. The aim of the project is to develop a drone with a lethal payload and electro-optical and/or infrared cameras. It should include a control station and a tube-shaped launcher.

Source: Defence One

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