Current as of January 05, 2026
MISSION
The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft primarily employed against high-value assets. Given its significant loiter time, multi-mode communications suite, precision weapons and a wide array of signals intelligence sensors, it provides a unique capability to perform strike, coordination and reconnaissance against top-tier, fleeting and time-sensitive targets.
Reapers perform a multifaceted subset of missions and tasks that include persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support, combat search and rescue, precision strike, buddy-lase, convoy/raid overwatch, target development and terminal air guidance. The MQ-9's capabilities make it uniquely qualified to conduct global operations.
FEATURES
The MQ-9 is equipped with a Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS) that delivers a robust suite of visual sensors, consisting of a mid-wave and short-wave infrared sensor, color/monochrome daylight TV camera, image-intensified TV camera, laser range-finder/designator and laser illuminator. The MQ-9 can quickly acquire and disseminate real-time imagery and data to ground users by utilizing beyond-line-of-sight communication links.
The MQ-9 delivers persistent armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to unified combatant commanders by locating, tracking and eliminating targets through the use of on-board and off-board intelligence. Additionally, it supports a wide range of operations such as coastal and border surveillance, weapons tracking, embargo enforcement, humanitarian/disaster assistance, support of peacekeeping and counter-narcotic operations.
The primary concept of operation employs a crew based in the continental United States that executes command and control of the entire mission via beyond-line-of-sight communications. This results in fewer personnel deployed to a forward location and a lighter logistical footprint, further enabling Agile Combat Employment.
The entire system can be transported via airlift or flown into its area of responsibility. The MQ-9 can outpace adversary action through movement and maneuver to achieve a commander's intent using agile combat employment.