US military’s new grip on China in the Pacific Ocean may become stronger

The head of California Aerospace Technology tells Fox News Digital that the Defense Department could use an advanced drone delivery service to give the military an edge against China as tensions rise abroad.

“Increased competition and the potential for conflict with the People’s Republic of China if they invade Taiwan create a sense of urgency to ensure that the United States is able to operate more actively in the Pacific if We’re ready to do that,” said Dave Merrill, CEO and co-founder of Elroy Air.

Elroy Air demonstrated its autonomous cargo delivery service at Travis Air Force Base last year, claiming the system “broadens the scope of possibilities for military logistics,” the company announced in a statement October press release, The plane, known as the Chaparral, aims to deliver essential supplies safely and efficiently global military operationsMerrill told Fox News Digital that the Pentagon has expressed interest in using it for potential conflicts in the Pacific.

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“One of the things we need to do in a competitive, competitive environment is deliver logistics to multiple locations around the Pacific,” Merrill said.

“A logistics network that is resilient, that poses no risk to people is an urgent operational requirement, and so the message from the Pentagon as we go, meet and meet is how quickly we can get the system operational. Prashant can prepare for,” he continued.

On April 23, Admiral John C. Aquilino, former commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, said China’s military expenditure increased Was “concerned”. Aquilino, who left his post on Friday, also noted the growing situation in China. aggressive rhetoric and actionsParticularly threats against Taiwan.

Admiral John C. Aquilino, commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, said that China’s increasing military spending despite its declining economy is worrying. (Reuters/Caroline Chia/file photo)

Aquilino said, “Despite a failing economy, there is a conscious decision to fund the military capability. That’s a matter of concern to me.” “As this applies specifically to Taiwan, I am seeing increasingly aggressive campaign plans of coercion and pressure.”

Merrill told Fox News Digital that Elroy Air’s Chaparral technology will increase capabilities for commercial shippers, providing immediate assistance in disaster situations and offering faster resupply. American troops In area.

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“It solves the problem of operational resupply speed, and it solves the problem of risk to life for soldiers on the battlefield,” Merrill said. “That’s really where we’re focusing our efforts… to make sure that our Chaparral aircraft pose zero risk, with our always-on, always-replenishing fleet of drones that fly beans and bullets can carry cargo across the battlefield exactly where it needs to go without putting any soldiers at risk.”

Dave Merrill, CEO and co-founder of Elroy Air, said his company’s autonomous delivery service will increase capabilities for commercial shippers, provide immediate assistance in disaster situations and offer rapid resupply for military troops in the field. (Fox News Digital)

The Chaparral can carry 300 pounds more than 300 miles and won’t need to use airports or runways for takeoff and landing, Merrill said. Aircraft may also benefit humanitarian ship He further said, trying to bring goods in and out from places where it is difficult to reach.

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“This is a way to get food, food supplements, blankets, essential items from one place to another with no risk to the pilot or crew, and to achieve it with existing legacy aircraft,” Merrill explained. Its difficult.” Fox News Digital.

DOD did not respond to a request for comment.