US unveils means to neutralize Chinese missiles

The US has just announced for the first time the MQ-25 - a line of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on ships that help the US avoid attacks from Chinese missiles.

According to The Aviationist, on December 19, Boeing announced the prototype UAV MQ-25A Stingray. Although the real image was released, the MQ-25A is still a mystery because only the front of this UAV can be seen, the body and tail have not been announced by the manufacturer.

The US launched the MQ-25A Stingray.

The US Department of Defense has been pursuing a carrier-based UAV program since 2006, initially developing a long-range stealth bomber, then transforming it into a strike and reconnaissance aircraft and finally an aerial refueling aircraft designated the MQ-25A Stingray.

Initial information revealed that the MQ-25A Stingray ship-based refueling UAV provides the US Navy with an effective tool to solve one of their most pressing problems today: the anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy of their opponents.

Currently, China and Russia are both developing platforms capable of preventing US forces from accessing or penetrating important areas. However, the MQ-25A Stingray can help increase the range of US carrier-based fighters, allowing them to neutralize the enemy's A2/AD tactics.

According to the US Navy's explanation, some types of Chinese anti-ship ballistic missiles have a range of about 1,300 km, while the US's longest-range carrier-based fighter jets currently have a combat radius of less than 900 km.

This reality is forcing the US to operate carrier-based fighters beyond their effective range or risk sending aircraft carriers with 6,000 troops and 70 aircraft into range of Chinese ballistic missiles.

Meanwhile, once put into operation on aircraft carriers, the MQ-25A Stingray will help extend the operating range of the US Navy's F/A-18, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C fighters, allowing them to operate effectively from a safe distance.

Vice Admiral Joseph Mulloy, Deputy Chief of Staff for Capabilities and Resources, US Navy, stated:

"We can improve some features and increase the survivability of the MQ-25A Stingray after it is put into operation. In addition to its primary mission of refueling, the aircraft can also perform reconnaissance and surveillance missions as well as the ability to operate as a flying truck," said Mr. Joseph Mulloy.

According to baodatviet.vn