US Navy to develop drones with 1,852 km range from aircraft carriers

The US Navy is planning to develop a new generation of drones capable of launching from nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

The new drones are expected to be equipped with capabilities that allow them to carry out combat missions at a range of 1,852 kilometers without refueling, as part of a broader effort by the United States to reshape its air wing in preparation for future conflicts, according to Asharq Bloomberg.

The US Navy has issued a notice to defense industry companies to assess their ability to design, produce, and deploy a new generation of drones specifically intended for operations from nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

This notice is an initial step to evaluate available industrial capabilities before launching a new armament program, with the Navy set to receive company responses by August 13.

US military strikes against Iran have repeatedly highlighted the need for further development of American drones, whose role has become increasingly prominent in the US-Iran conflict.