Posted on 02/15/2012 10:35:19 PM PST by U-238
NATO will buy U.S.-made reconnaissance drones and equipment for more than €1 billion ($1.3 billion) after the war in Libya highlighted shortcomings in its surveillance and targeting capabilities.
An alliance official said Wednesday the total included five of Northrop Grumman Corp.'s Global Hawks, ground control stations, analysis equipment, and training for operators. He spoke on condition of anonymity following NATO rules.
The official said the order, which coincides with sharp defense cuts across the alliance, is expected to be signed in spring. Deliveries will take place between 2015 and 2017.
He said 13 NATO nations will band together to buy the drones, which can stay aloft for 36 hours. The alliance will then use them on behalf of all 28 members.
The costs of operating the drones over their 20-year life cycle will amount to about €2 billion ($2.6 billion), the official said.
The drones will be based at Sigonella, Italy, and operated by about 600 service members.
Using advanced radar sensors, the unmanned craft are capable of detecting and tracking objects on the ground in any weather or light conditions.
Officials have lauded the purchase as an example of "smart defense," under which NATO nations pool resources to increase cost-efficiency as military expenditures are declining in Europe and the U.S.
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
If they don’t want to buy new, I believe Iran has a gently used one that might be for sale. Low miles. Driven by a grandmother on Sundays back and forth to church. (Just don’t expect an authentic pink slip or favorable Carfax.)
The U-2 is the better plane.
We have to get rid of manned aircraft. UAVs will be sooo much cheaper (At least that's what the pamphlets say)
Actually, the USAF did a study that the U-2 was cheaper than the Global Hawk to maintain.
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