The United States Navy demonstrated the joint operation of the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle, E-2D Hawkaeye airborne early warning aircraft, AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft and F / A-18 Hornet fighters. The demonstration took place as part of the Neptune Strike 2023 exercises.

What is known

The US Navy has combined the capabilities of drones and aircraft to launch long-range missile strikes. The drone detected the target and sent the coordinates to the E-2D Hawkaeye. The long-range radar surveillance aircraft received the information and redirected it to the strike group.

The group consisted of Spanish AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft and American F / A-18 Hornet fighters. The planes went to the area from where they were able to hit the target, while remaining outside the reach zone for the air defense system of the imaginary enemy.

The US Navy specifically noted the work of the MQ-9 Reaper drone. The drone was able to carry out aerial scanning for the reconnaissance aircraft, due to which it was possible to obtain the exact coordinates of the imaginary enemy. At the same time, the service notes that the planes and the drone were located at different ends of the globe.

After the destruction of the target, representatives of the US Navy were able to assess the consequences of missile strikes. The camera of the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle helped them in this.

Source: DVIDS