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Marines Unveil Upgraded MQ-9 Reaper with Advanced Electronic Warfare

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MQ-9A Reaper drone by General Atomics
The MQ-9A Reaper, a turboprop multi-mission drone from General Atomics, provides long-endurance operations over land and sea (Picture source: NAVAIR).

The MQ-9 Reaper, a cornerstone of U.S. Marine Corps unmanned aviation, has reached a major milestone with the first flight of its upgraded MQ-9A Reaper. Working closely with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and leading defense contractors, the Marines have fitted the drone with next-generation communication and electronic support pods, including SkyTower II and RDESS/SOAR systems. Announced on August 12, 2025, via NAVAIR’s official channels, this test flight demonstrates the Reaper’s enhanced capabilities in long-range surveillance, electronic warfare, and precision strike missions, representing a decisive step toward Initial Operational Capability (IOC) later this year.

These upgrades mark a significant leap in the Marine Corps’ modernization efforts, ensuring the MQ-9 Reaper family remains a versatile multi-domain force across the Indo-Pacific. By combining ISR, targeting, and networked operations in a single platform, the upgraded MQ-9A Reaper evolves from a reconnaissance drone into a force multiplier capable of expeditionary and maritime operations. With persistent surveillance, advanced sensors, and robust electronic warfare capability, the MQ-9 Reaper is positioned to dominate contested theaters and redefine the future of Marine Corps unmanned aviation strategy.

A Key Milestone in Marine Corps Modernization

The upgraded aircraft used in the test flight belonged to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (UX) 24, the Navy-Marine Corps unit tasked with validating advanced aviation systems. According to NAVAIR, the Reaper was configured with:

  • SkyTower II communication pod and an external fuel tank beneath its left wing
  • RDESS/SOAR electronic warfare pod beneath its right wing
  • A third unidentified centerline pod, suggesting further capabilities are being explored

While no specific flight date was disclosed, UX-24 had confirmed as early as February 2025 that the SkyTower II pod was already installed and powered-on, demonstrating the accelerated pace of integration. The Marine Corps plans to begin operational deployment of the enhanced MQ-9A in 2026, starting with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3, based at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. This squadron specializes in reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions—roles that will be greatly expanded by the new systems.

SkyTower II: Turning the MQ-9 into a Digital Battlefield Hub

Developed by GALT and integrated through NAVAIR’s middle-tier acquisition process, the SkyTower II pod transforms the Reaper into a powerful airborne networking node. It enables real-time data sharing across widely dispersed forces, even under hostile electronic warfare conditions. Commanders describe it as turning the MQ-9 into a “digital quarterback”—a central hub that synchronizes complex missions. For the Indo-Pacific, where vast distances and communication challenges dominate, SkyTower II will be critical to enabling Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) and distributed Marine Corps operations.

RDESS/SOAR: Expanding the Marines’ Electronic Warfare Arsenal

Alongside SkyTower II, the MQ-9A has been fitted with the RDESS/SOAR electronic warfare pod, co-developed by General Atomics and L3Harris. First tested by the U.S. Air Force in 2021, RDESS/SOAR provides a broad-spectrum passive electronic support capability, including the ability to:

  • Detect and analyze hostile electronic signals over long ranges
  • Geolocate enemy emitters with high precision
  • Replicate and retransmit signals to confuse or deceive adversary networks

Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric M. Smith emphasized that RDESS/SOAR adds “an additional protective layer for Marine forces,” though many details remain classified. In any future Pacific conflict—where electronic warfare will be decisive—this system offers a critical advantage.

MQ-9A Reaper: Persistence and Power for the Indo-Pacific

Derived from the Predator B, the MQ-9A Reaper is a turboprop-powered unmanned aircraft built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Known for its reliability and adaptability, it has become a workhorse for both U.S. and allied militaries.

Performance Highlights

  • Endurance: 27+ hours (34 hours for the Extended Range version)
  • Max Speed: 240 knots
  • Service Ceiling: 50,000 feet
  • Payload Capacity: 3,850 pounds (including 3,000 pounds external)
  • Engine: Honeywell TPE331-10 with Digital Electronic Engine Control
  • Flight Systems: Triple-redundant avionics and fault-tolerant control surfaces

Modular Payloads

  • EO/IR sensors (MTS-B)
  • Maritime surveillance and multi-mode radars
  • Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) & Electronic Support Measures (ESM)
  • Communications relay packages
  • Precision-guided weapons and laser designators

The Extended Range (ER) variant, with reinforced landing gear and wing-mounted fuel tanks, can operate for more than 34 hours, making it particularly well-suited for the vast distances of the Indo-Pacific region.

MQ-9A Reaper: Technical Overview

The MQ-9A Reaper is the U.S. Marine Corps’ Block V Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), designed for multi-mission ISR over land and sea.

Specifications

Specification Details
Wing Span 66 feet (20 m)
Length 36 feet (11 m)
Max Takeoff Weight 10,500 lb (4,763 kg)
Fuel Capacity 3,900 lb (1,769 kg)
Payload Capacity 850 lb internal (386 kg); 3,000 lb external (1,361 kg)
Max Altitude 50,000 ft (15,240 m)
Max Endurance 27 hours (34 hours ER)
Max Radius 2,250 nautical miles
Max Air Speed 240 KTAS
Unit Cost (FY21 estimate) $56.5 million (includes four aircraft, sensors, ground control station, and satellite link)

Features

  • Six wing hardpoints + centerline station
  • Triple-redundant flight control systems
  • Remotely piloted or fully autonomous operations
  • MIL-STD-1760 weapons management system
  • C-Band LOS and Ku-Band SATCOM/BLOS data link control
  • Over 90% operational availability
  • Transportable by C-130 or self-deployable

Multi-Mission Capabilities for the Future Fight

With SkyTower II and RDESS/SOAR, the MQ-9A Reaper is evolving beyond reconnaissance. Its future roles will include:

  • ISR-T (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Targeting)
  • Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
  • Airborne Network Extension (ANE)
  • Airborne Early Warning (AEW)
  • Electronic Support (ES)

This flexibility allows the Marines to consolidate multiple missions into a single platform, reducing the need for specialized aircraft. For distributed operations, where every asset must deliver maximum value, the upgraded MQ-9A is a true force multiplier. NAVAIR highlighted that the MQ-9A had already reached IOC with VMU-3 in August 2023, proving its effectiveness in maritime and coastal missions even before these new enhancements.

A New Era for the Marine Corps’ Drone Fleet

The first flight of the MQ-9A Reaper with SkyTower II and RDESS/SOAR marks more than a test—it signals a transformation in how the Marine Corps will fight. By combining long-endurance ISR, precision strike capability, and advanced electronic warfare, the upgraded Reaper will become one of the most versatile assets in the Corps’ arsenal. As deployments begin in 2026, the MQ-9A will serve at the core of the Marine Littoral Regiments, delivering persistence, networking, and survivability needed to win in the Indo-Pacific theater. In short, the upgraded MQ-9A Reaper is no longer just a reconnaissance drone— it is a multi-domain warfare platform designed to dominate in contested environments.

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