US Marine Corps Enhances ISR Capabilities with Latest Generation of MQ-9A Block 5 ER Drone
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
On April 22, 2025, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) delivered an MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 Extended Range (ER) drone to the United States Marine Corps (USMC), marking another step in the integration of unmanned aerial systems within U.S. expeditionary forces. This delivery aligns with the Marine Corps’ strategy to strengthen its long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities through the deployment of autonomous platforms. The aircraft will be operated by Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1), based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) combat drone designed for multi-role missions, ranging from ISR to precision strike (Picture source: US DoD)
The drone will be used as part of an operational testing campaign designed to develop new tactics, techniques, and procedures for Marine aviation. It will also contribute to the experimentation of joint force concepts within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), with the aim of validating its performance in realistic scenarios ahead of a broader operational deployment. The MQ-9A now plays a key role in the Marine Corps’ transition to a more agile and digitally connected force, capable of conducting precision strikes and ISR missions while maintaining a limited footprint on the ground.
The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) combat drone designed for multi-role missions, ranging from ISR to precision strike. Powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10GD turboprop engine delivering 900 horsepower, the platform can exceed 30 hours of endurance in its Extended Range configuration, made possible by underwing fuel pods and reinforced landing gear. The system also includes a ground control station, the Predator Primary Satellite Link (PPSL), and a support structure that enables 24/7 operations. Missions are conducted remotely by a pilot and a sensor operator, often located thousands of kilometers from the operational theater, under the “remote split operations” model, which reduces deployed personnel while maintaining operational efficiency.
The Reaper can carry up to 3,750 kg of payload, combining advanced sensors and precision-guided munitions. It is equipped with the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS-B), which integrates infrared cameras, monochrome and color TV sensors, a shortwave infrared (SWIR) camera, a laser designator, and a laser illuminator. It also features a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) with maritime surveillance and moving target indication (MTI) modes. In terms of armament, it can be configured with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and various guided bombs, including the GBU-12 Paveway II, GBU-38 JDAM, GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II, and GBU-54 Laser JDAM. This versatile loadout enables the platform to support missions such as combat search and rescue, close air support, convoy escort, buddy-lasing, and target development.
The Block 5 version is the most advanced configuration of the Reaper to date. It incorporates a modernized avionics architecture with dual digital data buses, increased electrical power, upgraded servos, and enhanced data links. These upgrades improve the system’s resilience in contested environments and facilitate integration with joint command and control networks. The Block 5 retains the extended range features of the ER configuration while offering greater flexibility for the integration of sensors, electronic payloads, and communications or electronic warfare modules. Its open software architecture supports the rapid implementation of new capabilities to meet evolving operational needs.
From a reliability standpoint, the MQ-9A Block 5 ER is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system, triple-redundant avionics, and secure satellite communications links, providing continuous connectivity with ground stations. It is built to meet the reliability standards of manned aircraft while reducing the risks and logistical demands associated with long-duration or high-intensity missions.
With this latest delivery, GA-ASI has now provided a total of 18 MQ-9A units to the U.S. Marine Corps, with two additional aircraft expected by the end of 2025. This ongoing reinforcement reflects the growing role of MALE drones within U.S. military doctrine. The Reaper, particularly in its Block 5 ER configuration, is now a key platform for ISR and strike operations across a variety of contexts, from irregular warfare to high-intensity joint engagements.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
On April 22, 2025, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) delivered an MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 Extended Range (ER) drone to the United States Marine Corps (USMC), marking another step in the integration of unmanned aerial systems within U.S. expeditionary forces. This delivery aligns with the Marine Corps’ strategy to strengthen its long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities through the deployment of autonomous platforms. The aircraft will be operated by Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1), based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona.
The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) combat drone designed for multi-role missions, ranging from ISR to precision strike (Picture source: US DoD)
The drone will be used as part of an operational testing campaign designed to develop new tactics, techniques, and procedures for Marine aviation. It will also contribute to the experimentation of joint force concepts within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), with the aim of validating its performance in realistic scenarios ahead of a broader operational deployment. The MQ-9A now plays a key role in the Marine Corps’ transition to a more agile and digitally connected force, capable of conducting precision strikes and ISR missions while maintaining a limited footprint on the ground.
The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) combat drone designed for multi-role missions, ranging from ISR to precision strike. Powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10GD turboprop engine delivering 900 horsepower, the platform can exceed 30 hours of endurance in its Extended Range configuration, made possible by underwing fuel pods and reinforced landing gear. The system also includes a ground control station, the Predator Primary Satellite Link (PPSL), and a support structure that enables 24/7 operations. Missions are conducted remotely by a pilot and a sensor operator, often located thousands of kilometers from the operational theater, under the “remote split operations” model, which reduces deployed personnel while maintaining operational efficiency.
The Reaper can carry up to 3,750 kg of payload, combining advanced sensors and precision-guided munitions. It is equipped with the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS-B), which integrates infrared cameras, monochrome and color TV sensors, a shortwave infrared (SWIR) camera, a laser designator, and a laser illuminator. It also features a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) with maritime surveillance and moving target indication (MTI) modes. In terms of armament, it can be configured with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and various guided bombs, including the GBU-12 Paveway II, GBU-38 JDAM, GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II, and GBU-54 Laser JDAM. This versatile loadout enables the platform to support missions such as combat search and rescue, close air support, convoy escort, buddy-lasing, and target development.
The Block 5 version is the most advanced configuration of the Reaper to date. It incorporates a modernized avionics architecture with dual digital data buses, increased electrical power, upgraded servos, and enhanced data links. These upgrades improve the system’s resilience in contested environments and facilitate integration with joint command and control networks. The Block 5 retains the extended range features of the ER configuration while offering greater flexibility for the integration of sensors, electronic payloads, and communications or electronic warfare modules. Its open software architecture supports the rapid implementation of new capabilities to meet evolving operational needs.
From a reliability standpoint, the MQ-9A Block 5 ER is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system, triple-redundant avionics, and secure satellite communications links, providing continuous connectivity with ground stations. It is built to meet the reliability standards of manned aircraft while reducing the risks and logistical demands associated with long-duration or high-intensity missions.
With this latest delivery, GA-ASI has now provided a total of 18 MQ-9A units to the U.S. Marine Corps, with two additional aircraft expected by the end of 2025. This ongoing reinforcement reflects the growing role of MALE drones within U.S. military doctrine. The Reaper, particularly in its Block 5 ER configuration, is now a key platform for ISR and strike operations across a variety of contexts, from irregular warfare to high-intensity joint engagements.
