The latest $800 million arms package for Ukraine includes a unique new item, the tactical drone Ghost Phoenix, which has been designed by the US Air Force and has never been revealed before on the battlefields of Ukraine.
Today, the Pentagon declared that AEVEX Aerospace will manufacture and deliver over 121 Phoenix Ghost Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems on behalf of the United States.
During a subsequent briefing, John Kirby, the spokesperson for the Pentagon, revised that description by stating that the Phoenix Ghost had been “created prior to” Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Earlier today, a high-ranking defense official mentioned that the Air Force swiftly developed the new unmanned aircraft “in direct response to the specific needs of Ukraine.”
“It was developed for a set of requirements that very closely match what the Ukrainians need right now in Donbas,” he said.
The Ghost Phoenix is a single-use, low-cost drone that behaves like a loitering munition, ramming itself into a target before flying around in the airspace. This means that it is likely designed to “punch” a number of different types of targets. An official from Ukraine said that Ghost Phoenix is similar to the previously delivered unmanned Switchblade systems.
The official mentioned that the new classification system is being cited, and I am not only able to understand more about its capabilities, but also the differences in scope of capabilities for Ghost Phoenix.
Name, it’s called Ghost Phoenix, but the new system has noted that.Output: The name of it is Ghost Phoenix, however, the recently implemented system has acknowledged this information.
The Air Force refused to provide any comments regarding the establishment of Phoenix Ghost, redirecting all inquiries to the Pentagon.
AEVEX Aerospace’s involvement in the creation and production of Phoenix Ghost is also unclear, as the defense official has given limited information.
The individual who responded to the phone call informed Breaking Defense, “We do not have any remarks regarding the matter you are inquiring about,” however, Breaking Defense contacted the company’s headquarters in Solana Beach, California, with the intention of obtaining additional information. When questioned directly about Phoenix Ghost (Breaking Defense had identified itself as a media representative but had not specifically inquired about Phoenix Ghost), the AEVEX representative reiterated her lack of comment.
AEVEX, a recognized leader in airborne full-spectrum solutions intelligence, fabricates and deploys mission systems or drones to collect and exploit data. They have extensive experience in operating both unmanned and manned aircraft intelligence.
AEVEX, on March 4th, was one of more than 50 companies that received an indefinite/indefinite quantity contract from the Navy to meet emerging and new requirements, including areas such as the integration of intelligence and control command, airborne systems integration, landing and control traffic air systems, special mission communications solutions, integrated air and ship warfare systems, and combat identification and integration systems, with the Phoenix Ghost.
Additionally included are: the most recent $800 million weapons package declared by President Joe Biden today, the custom-made new unmanned aerial vehicle is merely one component.
The Pentagon stated that the most recent set of cannons, along with a previous shipment from April 13, “offers sufficient artillery systems to outfit five battalions.” Since the invasion by Russia commenced on Feb. 24, the Biden administration has supplied approximately $3.4 billion in security aid for Ukraine.
