UAV Missions To Increase

The Pentagon plans to increase the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for combat and reconnaissance missions, the Wall Street Journal reported Aug. 17. Missions will rise by roughly 50 percent, with control spreading to the Army, U.S. Special Operations Command, and other federal agencies. At present, the Air Force conducts most missions involving the aircraft, primarily flying MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper drones. The Journal also reported that the U.S. is negotiating with several African nations to serve as possible bases, from which the aircraft could fly missions against Islamic State targets.