“Because fixed-wing drones can penetrate deeper into enemy lines, they excel at providing information that helps friendly forces disrupt rear elements, degrading an enemy’s ability to coordinate and resupply forward units.

“That same information shortens kill chains – the steps taken to find targets and destroy them – enabling faster offensive action.

“The Vector AI comes from a lineage of drones used in Ukraine and other conflicts, with each upgrade shaped by thousands of mission hours across global military operations.”

According to drone pilot Corporal Harrison Hinson of 2nd Cavalry Regiment, his unit would usually identify the enemy with “mounted and dismounted reconnaissance using direct observation”.

“This also means that we would be putting our soldiers in direct fire range and at risk of compromise,” he said.

“With our employment of drones, we have one more tool at our disposal to enhance our reconnaissance and strike capabilities.”

Hinson said that while flying the drones themselves is “quite easy if you have flown other systems, they need to consider both offensive and defensive uses.

“We have to assume we are always being observed and need to better ourselves on how to hide or disguise our signatures,” he said.

The Australian Army last month announced the integration of Quantum Systems’ Vector drones into the 9th Regiment, Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery.

This article was originally published on Cyber Daily’s sister brand, Australian Aviation.