The US Marine Corps has officially completed its acquisition of the MQ-9A Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) following the delivery of the last unit from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems at Grey Butte Field Airport in California. This milestone concludes a three-year procurement initiative aimed at modernizing the Marines’ aerial capabilities as part of the comprehensive Force Design 2030 restructuring plan.
The contract, valued at $136 million, was intended to enhance the Marine Corps’ operational effectiveness by extending its range and endurance in the field. Marine Corps Captain Dennis Monagle outlined the significance of the MQ-9A fleet, emphasizing that it will empower the force to “move quickly, stay on schedule, and deliver advanced capability to the fleet with minimal friction.”
The Marine Corps has established three primary air stations where these advanced drones are stationed, located in Arizona, Hawaii, and North Carolina.
The MQ-9A Reaper, developed by General Atomics, is a larger and heavier evolution of the older MQ-1 Predator, designed to carry a greater payload and achieve higher cruising speeds. It is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 300 miles per hour (483 kilometers per hour) and has an impressive endurance of up to 27 hours. The Reaper maintains a cruise speed of around 194 miles per hour (313 kilometers per hour) and can operate at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet (15,420 meters).
Additionally, the Marine Corps’ Reapers are equipped with the SkyTower II airborne network extension pod. This integration enhances cross-domain communication capabilities, significantly improving data-sharing during critical operations in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The addition of these UAVs is expected to bolster the Marines’ adaptability and effectiveness in modern combat scenarios.
