Air Force Buys Fewer Drones — But Ups Drone Flights -- Danger Room
One of the problems with the Air Force’s drone fleet? There aren’t enough humans to operate the flying robots. And it’s contributing to a surprising Air Force decision to buy fewer drones — even as its own budget plan calls for the robots to get much busier.
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced weeks ago that the armed, unmanned Predators and Reapers will fly more often in the coming few years, going up to 65 combat air patrols, or CAPs — teams of up to four flying robots — “with a surge capacity of 85.” That’s up from 61 today. But the Air Force’s budget figures, released on Monday, show that the flyboys will slow down their drone purchases, rather than increase them.
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Update: Air Force Buys Reapers, Improves JSTARS To Help Cover Global Hawk Cuts -- Aol Defense
My Comment: America's drone fleet will continue to grow .... all be it at a slower rate.
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