US Navy Drone MQ-8
The Navy will use these MQ-8 drones in addition to helicopter support in their first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Sqadron. US Navy

The U.S. Navy unveiled its first squadron of drones, marking the formal adoption and increased use of drones within the Navy. AP reports “military officials will launch the maritime strike squadron called Magicians on Thursday at the Naval Air Station North Island base on Coronado, near San Diego.”

The squadron consists of an unannounced number of Fire Scout MQ-8 drones, unmanned helicopters accompanied by eight manned helicopters.

Lt. Aaron Kakiel told AP, “most Navy drones now are operated by contractors overseen by military personnel.”

While the Navy has only recently increased their use of drones, the Air Force continues to use drones in military operations.

Below is a U.S. Navy file video of the drones used in the new squadron.

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