US Marines bring hi-tech RQ-21A Blackjack drones to Darwin for the first time
US Marines bound for Darwin will be bringing RQ-21A Blackjack surveillance drones to deploy in Australian airspace for the first time.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Influx of US Marines into Darwin for MRF-D as first batch cleared of COVID-19
- US Marines out of NT quarantine
- Medical experts ‘not consulted’ before NT Marines’ decision
- COVID-19 safety details of US Marines’ 2020 deployment to Darwin revealed
US Marines bound for Darwin will be bringing RQ-21A Blackjack surveillance drones to deploy in Australian airspace for the first time.
Bridget Glynn, a spokeswoman for the Marines in Darwin, said this year’s rotation included a small Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron detachment and the RQ-21A Blackjack.
“The RQ-21A will provide … the ability to monitor remote battle space areas, provide early detection capabilities and inform command decision-making to increase the operating speed of ground units,” she said.
“All training and use of the RQ-21A will be confined to restricted military airspace, including the Mount Bundey Training Area and the Kangaroo Flats Training Area.
Amazing new NT News subscription offer: $1 a week for first 12 weeks
“The RQ-21A will allow the ADF and Marines to … operate in a bilateral environment and remain postured to respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.”
Nimbys revisited: A history of objection in the Northern Territory
Territory developers are used to the ‘not in my backyard’ sign coming out soon after a proposal is flagged. Here are some of the NT’s biggest nimby moments.
‘Blocked toilets, dying aircons’ why Darwin needs $150m civic centre: Mayor
City of Darwin says Darwin’s existing civic centre does not meet building regulations or modern standards with the Mayor citing ‘blocked toilets’ and ‘dying air conditioners’ as key reasons behind a push for a new $150m building.