In July, the MoD issued development contracts for what may be a new killer drone, carrying out air-to-air or air-to-ground strikes.
According to Drone Wars UK, the new escort drone will fly alongside or slightly ahead of an RAF plane, sharing information via the main aircraft.
Possible roles for the ‘Mosquito’ include: surveillance, electronic warfare (jamming radars) and laser guiding weapons onto targets.
In a separate programme, the MoD is developing ‘swarming’ drones: 10–20 small drones controlled by a single operator. Roles may include tracking individuals or vehicles.
Topics: Drones & autonomous weapons