MQ-9A Reaper – The Defense Post

May- 2026 -

14 May

MQ-9 Reaper Tests New Rocket Capability Against Airborne Targets

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and the US Air Force have pushed the MQ-9 Reaper drone deeper into the precision-strike role with successful tests involving APKWS laser-guided rockets.

Dec- 2025 -

4 December

Americas

Akhsan Erido Elezhar

MQ-9 Reaper Gains Smart Surveillance Boost in Breakthrough Flight

Surveillance network tech is an airspace monitoring system, fuses multiple sensor types, tracks cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft, provides real-time airspace awareness, and supports counter-UAS operations.

Nov- 2025 -

20 November

Air

A U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9A with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, launches on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, June 21, 2023. VMU-3 safely and successfully launched its first MQ-9A remotely piloted aircraft to meet the Naval Air Systems Command Safety Certification process. The Safe-For-Flight Operations Certification (SFFOC) is the final, crucial milestone in VMU-3’s transition from the RQ-21A to the MQ-9A. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christian Tofteroo).

Rojoef Manuel

US Stations MQ-9A Reaper Drone in Philippines to Aid in Maritime Patrols

The US Marine Corps has deployed an MQ-9A Reaper to the Philippines to help the country monitor rising Chinese activity in the West Philippine Sea.

Sep- 2025 -

12 September

Air

AeroVironment’s Switchblade 600 Air-launched from General Atomics’ MQ-9A

Rojoef Manuel

Switchblade 600 Kamikaze Drone Launched From MQ-9A Reaper for First Time in Arizona Tests

AeroVironment and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have carried out the first air launch of a Switchblade 600 loitering munition from an MQ-9A Reaper in Arizona, advancing efforts to expand long-range precision strike options for drones.

Aug- 2025 -

1 August

Air

Giulia Bernacchi

GA-ASI, Tobyhanna Introduce Enhanced MQ-9 Control System Overhaul

Tobyhanna Army Depot and General Atomics introduced a new maintenance and overhaul capability for the MQ-9 Reaper Ground Control Station.

Jun- 2025 -

6 June

Air

Juster Domingo

US Marines Receive Final MQ-9A Reaper Drone

The US Marine Corps has received its final MQ-9A Reaper drone from General Atomics at the Grey Butte Field Airport in California.

May- 2025 -

1 May

Air

Inder Singh Bisht

US Marines Receive MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 Extended Range

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has delivered an MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 extended range unmanned aircraft system to the US Marine Corps.

Feb- 2025 -

5 February

Air

Christine Casimiro

US Marines Unveil 2025 Aviation Plan

The US Marine Corps has unveiled its 2025 Aviation Plan, introducing “Project Eagle” as its core modernization strategy to enhance operational readiness.

May- 2024 -

13 May

Americas

Joe Saballa