US troops to use 'eavesdropping spy planes' in Afghanistan

Kabul, Dec. 22 (ANI): US troops stationed in Afghanistan will soon use spy planes, that will provide them crucial information about Al Qaeda and the Taliban, with the help of its technology that can capture still images, video and even eavesdrop.

Bloomberg quoted Lt. General David Deptula as saying that the first of the 24 new Hawker Beechcraft four-man twin-propeller plane is expected to arrive by Christmas -- a month ahead of schedule.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates had ordered for spy planes in April 2008 to up the number of manned and unmanned aircraft collecting intelligence data, Fox News reports.

And now these eavesdropping planes will be used to help support the 30,000 troops Obama ordered to Afghanistan.

The plans have the capability to send images and video directly to ground troops, who will have portable computers that will let them see the images.

They will also help provide 24-hour video that is now provided by unmanned drones. (ANI)