The US military buys more drones designed to be shot down
What happened
The US military awarded an $11 million contract for components of the BQM-177A, a high-speed drone used for target practice. This means the military is increasing its supply of drones that simulate enemy aircraft for training and weapons testing.
Why it matters
The BQM-177A is a sophisticated drone designed to mimic advanced threats, including cruise missiles. Buying more of these components means the US military is investing in more realistic training for its air defense systems and pilots. This helps prepare for potential conflicts with adversaries who use similar advanced aerial weapons.
The signal
Watch for future contract awards for more BQM-177A drones or similar high-performance aerial targets, indicating a continued focus on advanced threat simulation.