Could US advances in drone command give it an edge over the PLA in a Taiwan conflict?
Washington discloses tests involving F-22 fighters and aircraft carriers to outpace Beijing in regional power contest.
Quick Look
The US military disclosed two recent tests involving F-22 fighters and aircraft carriers to command uncrewed aircraft over vast distances, aiming to outpace Beijing in a key technology contest.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The US is seeking to outpace Beijing in a technology contest redefining air and naval power.
From the cockpit of an F-22 fighter to an aircraft carrier sailing in the Pacific, the US military is showing new ways to command uncrewed aircraft over vast distances.
The United States disclosed two tests this month as Washington seeks to outpace Beijing in a technology contest that could redefine air and naval power in the region.
Experts say these technologies could help US forces track and strike targets while keeping manned platforms beyond the reach of enemy defences. They warn, however, that Chinese jamming and anti-satellite attacks could disrupt the communications links needed to command the drones.
Open Questions
- What specific drone command technologies were tested?
- How vulnerable are the communications links to jamming?
