Small drones are set to take to the skies over Guam next week as the Department of War conducts operational tests aimed at integrating unmanned aircraft systems into its combat strategies. This initiative is part of the Pentagon’s broader effort to enhance military capabilities through advanced technology.
During the testing period, which runs from January 26 to January 30, vessel traffic will be restricted within a designated area of the Philippine Sea, north of Andersen Air Force Base. The U.S. Coast Guard, acting on directives from the war department’s Strategic Capabilities Office, has announced that this area will be monitored to ensure the safety of personnel, vessels, and the marine environment.
In a final rule published in the Federal Register on January 21, the Coast Guard stated, “The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by a Department of War small Unmanned Aircraft System testing event.” The Coast Guard emphasized that any activities within this vicinity pose safety risks, warranting the establishment of the restricted zone.
The defined safety zone includes all waters of the Philippine Sea from the surface to the bottom, encompassing specific coordinates which delineate the area of operation. Vessel traffic can navigate safely around this zone, and enforcement of the restrictions is scheduled to coincide with times of low traffic, ensuring minimal disruption.
The specific enforcement hours for the testing event are as follows:
– January 26: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
– January 27: 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
– January 28: 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
– January 29: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
– January 30: To be announced as needed.
The initiative to test drone technology is part of a larger $1 billion program announced by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, which aims to deliver 300,000 one-way attack drones to U.S. service members in the upcoming years. “Drone dominance is a process race as much as a technological race,” Hegseth stated in a memo, highlighting the urgency the Department of War feels in adapting to modern warfare dynamics.
By focusing on the rapid integration of technology like low-cost American-made drones, the Pentagon is not only enhancing its combat capabilities but also laying the groundwork for training that aligns closely with contemporary battle scenarios. These developments reflect a committed effort to maintain military readiness in an increasingly technology-driven landscape.
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