U.S. Navy deploys first MQ-4C drones in Guam
SEOUL, Feb. 1 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. Navy deployed its first MQ-4C Triton drones in Guam earlier this week for their initial deployment in the Pacific region, the military has said.
The two Tritons, which arrived at Andersen Air Force base on Jan. 26, are expected to expand the U.S. military's reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities in a region marked by an assertive China and a provocative North Korea.
The unmanned aircraft system is capable of detecting and identifying naval vessels and can fly nonstop for more than 24 hours, according to its manufacturer, Northrop Grumman.
"The fielding of the Navy's premier unmanned aircraft system and its additive, persistent, multi-sensor data collection and real-time dissemination capability will revolutionize the way maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance is performed," Capt. Dan Mackin said, according to a release from the 7th Fleet.
Their deployment "will enable improved maritime domain awareness" along with the proven performance of its P-8, P-3 and EP-3 maritime aircraft, the military added.
The two aircraft were delivered to the Navy in November, and two more units are expected to join the squadron in Guam as part of early operational capability to further develop the concept of operations and fleet learning.
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
New BTS song 'Film Out' tops Japan's Oricon weekly chart
-
'Dynamite' becomes 3rd BTS video to top 1 bln views
-
S. Korea, U.S. authorities assess N.K. has completed building new 3,000-ton submarine: sources
-
BTS enters Billboard Hot 100 with new Japanese single
-
Mamamoo to hold online concert on British streaming platform next month
-
(Yonhap Feature) How young voters, once solid supporters of liberal causes, turned against Moon's party in by-elections
-
From Rose to Baekhyun, K-pop group idols also shine as solo acts
-
Moon takes election rout as 'reprimand' from the public, Cheong Wa Dae says
-
Boy band TXT to perform on Ellen DeGeneres show in latest global push
-
BTS to stream concerts in weekend Bang Bang Con event
-
Sex doll experience cafe condemned by residents in Yongin
-
S. Korea voices 'grave concerns' over Japan's expected decision to release Fukushima water into sea
-
(LEAD) New virus cases under 600 for 2nd day; spring resurgence in store
-
New Marine Corps commandant takes office
-
(3rd LD) S. Korea expresses 'strong regret' over Japan's decision to release water from Fukushima