Fighting drones now in Iraq

Danger Room reports that modified Swords bomb-disposal robots with M249 machine guns mounted on them are now in Iraq. In development the units were somewhat sluggish in responding to commands which made them dangerous for use. The problems have apparently been solved.

Danger Room also reports that Boeing is upset over the award to Northrop Grumman of "a $640-million contract to develop a stealthy armed flying drone, a.k.a. the Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator."

All of this is indicative of the advance of the robot warriors. While these units appear advanced, I still think they are the equivalent of the early bi-planes and tanks of World War I. I expect to see significant advances in this area.

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