The MQ-9B is a medium- to high-altitude, long-endurance hunter-killer RPA, primarily tasked with eliminating time-critical and high-value targets in permissive environments. Additional roles include CAS, CSAR, precision strike, armed overwatch, target development/designation, and terminal weapon guidance.
The MQ-9 fulfills a secondary tactical ISR role utilizing its Multispectral Targeting System-B (MTS-B), upgraded Lynx SAR and a variety of podded sensors. MTS-B integrates EO/IR, color/monochrome daylight TV, image-intensified TV, and a laser designator/illuminator. MTS-B provides FMV as separate video streams or fused together. The MQ-9 employs SAR for JDAM targeting and dismounted target tracking.
MQ-9B debuted in combat in Afghanistan in 2007. Extended Range (ER) mods added external fuel tanks, a four-bladed propeller, engine alcohol/water injection, heavyweight landing gear, longer wings and tail surfaces, and other enhancements in 2023. The Multi-Domain Operations (M2DO) configuration, debuted in 2022, transitions the MQ-9 from counterinsurgency to future roles in or near contested airspace. M2DO adds enhanced data link and control robustness, plug-and-play system integration, and double the power to integrate future advanced sensors, systems, and algorithms. Other enhancements include antijam GPS, Link 16, internet-protocol and modular mission system architecture, enhanced C2 resiliency, and greater flight autonomy/automation.
Fleetwide retrofits are slated for completion by FY26. The System Lifecycle Agile Modernization (SLAM) program will continuously upgrade the MQ-9 for emerging threats.
Automatic Takeoff and Land Capability (ATLC) and single operator control of up to three MQ- 9s now allow it to operate from airfields worldwide without a line-of-sight ground station, vastly increasing its utility for Agile Combat Employment. USAF is working to shore up command and control using Proliferated Low-Earth Orbit satellites, as well as potentially increasing the aircraft’s ability to operate autonomously.
USAF is divesting the highest-time Block 5 airframes through 2027 but plans to retain a fleet of 140 Reapers through 2035.
At least seven MQ-9s were lost in combat against Houthi rebels attacking shipping in the Red Sea in 2025, and approximately a dozen were lost in combat over Iran. Two additional aircraft were lost in noncombat mishaps. Reapers were also heavily employed in maritime strike and ISR against narco-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean during Operation Southern Spear.
MQ-9 Reaper Technical Data
Contractors: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; L3Harris; Raytheon (sensors).
First Flight: February 2001.
Delivered: November 2003-present.
IOC: October 2007; 2015 (ER).
Production: 338.
Inventory: 182.
Operator: ACC, AFMC, AFRC (associate), AFSOC, ANG.
Aircraft Location: Cannon AFB, N.M.; Creech AFB, Nev.; Eglin AFB, Fla.; Ellington Field, Texas; Fort Drum, N.Y.; Fort Huachuca, Ariz.; Hancock Field, N.Y.; Hector Arpt., N.D.; Holloman AFB, N.M.; March ARB, Calif.; Nellis AFB, Nev.; Whiteman AFB, Mo., and deployed locations worldwide.
GCS Location: Cannon AFB, N.M.; Creech AFB, Nev.; Battle Creek ANGB, Mich.; Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.; Des Moines Arpt., Iowa; Ellington Field, Texas; Ellsworth AFB, S.D.; Fort Smith Arpt., Ark.; Hancock Field, N.Y.; Hector Arpt., N.D.; Holloman AFB, N.M.; Horsham AGS, Pa.; Hurlburt Field, Fla.; March ARB, Calif.; Niagara Falls Arpt., N.Y.; Shaw AFB, S.C.; Springfield- Beckley Arpt., Ohio.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.
Active Variants: •MQ-9B Reaper Block 5. Improved, current production Reaper, incorporating extended-range fuel tanks, longer wings, and other enhancements.
Dimensions: Span 66 ft (79 ft, ER), length 36 ft, height 12.5 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 10,500 lb.
Power Plant: One Honeywell TPE331-10GD turboprop, max 900 shp.
Performance: Cruise speed 230 mph, range 1,150 miles, endurance 27 hr; 34 hr (ER).
Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Armament: Combination of AGM-114 Hellfire (up to eight), GBU-12/49 Paveway II, and GBU-38 JDAMs.
Accommodation : Pilot, sensor operator (operating from GCS).