The uncrewed revolution: MQ-9B and Gambit Series forge a path to regional air dominance
The MQ-9B and Gambit Series represent parallel capabilities that address global challenges for security head-on.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems President David Alexander told Breaking Defense the deal was "still in the works" but could include scores of Gambit drones.
International customers will be able to acquire Gambit 6 from 2027, ahead of European “missionized versions” eligible for delivery in 2029, according to General Atomics.
Details of the AFRL’s Off-Board Sensing Station program remain highly classified, though the effort is expected to field an unmanned aircraft that can fly ahead of fighters and relay targeting information and other threat data back.
David Alexander, president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, told Breaking Defense several options could power the company's Gambit drone offering, and that the Air Force has been more forthcoming with cost expectations behind closed doors.
A new request for information released by the Air Force shows that future Collaborative Combat Aircraft engines could provide considerable capability, according to an expert, but could also face drawbacks in cost and operations.
AFRL is "projecting first flight in first half of FY24 [fiscal 2024]," Trenton White, OBSS program manager, told Breaking Defense.