A US maker of advanced military surveillance drones plans to sell two drones to Ukraine for just US$1 (S$1.31), and is calling on the US government to approve the deal.
General Atomic Aeronautical Systems said Wednesday (February 1) that it has been urging the government for months to supply Ukraine with the powerful MQ-1C Gray Eagle and "Reaper" (MQ-9 Reaper) UAV. The U.S. military uses these drones for reconnaissance and strike missions in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and other conflict zones.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems said drones, which can fly long distances at mid-altitude, are one of Ukraine's military enhancements in its war against Russian forces.
The U.S. military has provided Ukraine with some small attack and reconnaissance drones, but none with the advanced technology and long-range capabilities of General Atomics' drones.
General Atomics CEO Linden Blue said in a statement: "Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have been looking for product options to respond to Ukrainian military requirements, including the Reaper and Gray Eagle."
