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US Army's first ME-11B spy jet prototype nears completion for future high-altitude reconnaissance
The US Army expects the first ME-11B High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System reconnaissance aircraft prototype to be completed by the end of 2026. Sierra Nevada Corporation is converting a Bombardier Global 6500 business jet to carry intelligence-gathering systems, including an advanced surveillance radar and signals-intelligence equipment, for high-altitude, long-endurance collection missions. Army planning now describes a possible six-aircraft fleet, reduced from an earlier objective of 14, while the prototype remains subject to integration and evaluation. HADES is intended to replace portions of the Army's older crewed aerial-intelligence capacity, but the final fleet size and fielding schedule remain acquisition decisions.