Aerospace Group:

Unmanned Systems

Threat of Small Drones Rises to Level of First Use of IEDs in Iraq, CENTCOM Commander Says

Frank Wolfe

Monday, February 8th, 2021

SHARE:

Threat of Small Drones Rises to Level of First Use of IEDs in Iraq, CENTCOM Commander Says

To help combat the small drone threat to U.S. bases, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) developed the Tactical High-power Operational Responder (THOR) with contractors, including Leidos (Leidos Photo)

The growing threat of small drone systems to deployed U.S. and allied forces in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility is similar to the inception of terrorist groups' use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Iraq more than 15 years ago, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Feb. 8. CENTCOM Marine Gen. Kenneth McKenzie told the Middle East Insitute (MEI) during a kickoff address to the first annual MEI-CENTCOM conferene that a long-term technical concern for…

Unmanned Systems

In Response To Flag Concerns, DoD Looks To Reduce Drone Prices, As Order for 30,000 Looms

The Pentagon is bargain shopping for Group 1 drones, as other countries, including Ukraine and China, have taken advantage of consumer electronics-level prices to bolster their stables. “In last spring’s […]

Pentagon

Amid Questions On Weapons Stockpiles, Caine Says U.S. Has ‘Sufficient’ Munitions For Iran Operation

Pentagon leaders on Wednesday sought to quell concerns over the rate at which the U.S. is employing critical munitions in its military strike campaign against Iran, with lawmakers also pressing […]

Congress

SASC Leaders Criticize Trump’s Defense Strategy, Press Colby On Policy Shifts

Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) leadership on Tuesday criticized the Trump administration’s new National Defense Strategy (NDS) and pressed the Pentagon’s top policy official to explain the document’s priorities. SASC […]

Congress

Wicker Wants Legislation On DoD’s Equity Investments In Minerals Supply Chain

Legislation regarding equity investments by the Defense Department in critical mineral supply chains is needed to strengthen the larger defense industrial base and demonstrate to the “free market” that the […]