Other nations scramble to match US drone capabilities

U.S. military success with surveillance and attack drones has sparked a global race in which as many as 50 nations have purchased surveillance drones, and some also are trying to develop their own armed versions because no nation is exporting attack drones other than a few sales between the United States and its closest allies, reports the Washington Post.

In China, which appears to have accelerated its drone development faster than any other nation, every major defense manufacturer has a research center tailored to developing unmanned aircraft technology, the article states.

Despite such efforts, the United States remains unmatched for its wide array of unmanned aircraft and advanced sensors, which are supported by sophisticated satellite and telecommunications systems.