YOKOSUKA, Japan - The US is developing aircraft carrier-based drones that could provide a crucial edge.

American officials have been tightlipped about where the unmanned armed planes might be used, but a top Navy officer has told The Associated Press that some would likely be deployed in Asia.

Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk predicts that "they will play an integral role in our future operations in this region." He is commander of the US 7th Fleet, which covers most of the Pacific and Indian oceans.

Land-based drones are in wide use in the war in Afghanistan, but sea-based versions will take several more years to develop. Northrop Grumman conducted a first-ever test flight earlier this year.