Air · Drone / systemUnited States
A low-observable reconnaissance aircraft publicly acknowledged by the US Air Force, with very limited official technical disclosure.
In service / use documentedRead Air · Drone / systemChina
A Chinese high-altitude reconnaissance UAV family with both official public display and flight activity documented by Japan's defence ministry.
In service / use documentedRead Air · Drone / systemChina
A Chinese high-altitude flying-wing development whose first flight was announced in December 2025, superseding older exhibition-only descriptions.
Air · Drone / systemUnited States
A high-altitude, long-endurance reconnaissance aircraft family. Its different sensor blocks and the separate MQ-4C Triton maritime programme should not be collapsed into one specification.
Air · Drone / systemTürkiye
A folding-wing, ship-compatible aircraft developed for short-deck operations. Baykar reported a deployment aboard TCG Anadolu during NATO’s February 2026 Steadfast Dart exercise.
Field guide
Understand the difference between an aircraft's weight class, its reconnaissance role and its endurance category—and why NATO classes and US groups are not interchangeable.
Field guide
What visible cameras, thermal imagers and radar actually measure, why their information differs, and what combining sensors can—and cannot—establish.
CompanyUnited States
GA-ASI supplies long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft, sensors and support services, while expanding into collaborative combat jets. Its portfolio connects the MQ-9 and Gray Eagle families with the FQ-42 programme.
Air · Drone / systemUnited States
General Atomics' MQ-9B family combines long-duration surveillance with an emphasis on airspace integration. The RAF operates its own configuration as Protector RG Mk1; specifications and approvals should be read by variant.
CompanyUnited States
Northrop Grumman combines large surveillance aircraft with radar, mission systems and sustainment. Its defence-drone work spans Triton and Global Hawk-related systems, NATO's Phoenix fleet and a Kratos partnership for Marine Corps collaborative aircraft.
Air · Drone / systemUnited States
Northrop Grumman's MQ-4C Triton is a large maritime surveillance aircraft operated within a wider network of crewed aircraft and ground teams. Fielding, configuration upgrades and operational testing are distinct measures of its maturity.
CompanyTürkiye
Coverage focus: AKSUNGUR. A twin-engine medium-altitude aircraft designed to carry multiple surveillance payloads. The platform also supports civil observation and disaster-response applications.
Air · Drone / systemTürkiye
A twin-engine medium-altitude aircraft designed to carry multiple surveillance payloads. The platform also supports civil observation and disaster-response applications.
CompanyIsrael
Coverage focus: Heron. A long-endurance reconnaissance family built to carry different intelligence sensors. IAI describes both land and naval operating roles with international customers.
Air · Drone / systemIsrael
A long-endurance reconnaissance family built to carry different intelligence sensors. IAI describes both land and naval operating roles with international customers.
CompanyIsrael
Coverage focus: Hermes 900. A medium-altitude reconnaissance family with land and maritime configurations. Maritime versions combine radar, imaging and mission data for coastal and offshore awareness.
Air · Drone / systemIsrael
A medium-altitude reconnaissance family with land and maritime configurations. Maritime versions combine radar, imaging and mission data for coastal and offshore awareness.
CompanyUnited States
Coverage focus: V-BAT. A vertical-takeoff reconnaissance aircraft suited to compact operating locations and shipboard use. V-BAT combines fixed-wing flight with a ducted-fan layout and is offered with several observation payloads.
Air · Drone / systemUnited States
A vertical-takeoff reconnaissance aircraft suited to compact operating locations and shipboard use. V-BAT combines fixed-wing flight with a ducted-fan layout and is offered with several observation payloads.
CompanyItaly
Coverage focus: Falco EVO / Falco family. A surveillance aircraft family offered through both equipment sales and a managed intelligence service. Falco EVO and the larger Falco Xplorer address different requirements and should be treated as distinct platforms.
Air · Drone / systemItaly
A surveillance aircraft family offered through both equipment sales and a managed intelligence service. Falco EVO and the larger Falco Xplorer address different requirements and should be treated as distinct platforms.
In-depth explainer
How cameras, thermal imaging, radar and sonar produce different evidence, with examples of integration, uncertainty and misleading comparisons.
In-depth explainer
A practical explanation of design assurance, aircraft condition, detect and avoid, and operating permission, illustrated by the Protector transit.