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Home Special Interest

Defending the MQ-9 Reaper Amidst Combat Vulnerabilities

After a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone was downed by Houthi militants off Yemen's coast, the drone's sustainability in contested environments has come under scrutiny.

  • Editor Staff
  • November 17, 2023
An MQ-9 Reaper flies a training mission over the Nevada Test and Training Range, July 15, 2019. MQ-9 aircrew provide dominant, persistent attack and reconnaissance for comabtant commanders and coalition partners across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Rio Rosado)
(Photo by Airman 1st Class William Rosado 432nd Wing Public Affairs)
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After a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone was downed by Houthi militants off Yemen’s coast, the drone’s sustainability in contested environments has come under scrutiny. General Atomics, the maker of the MQ-9, has defended the drone, arguing against the notion of replacing it with cheaper, lower-tech alternatives. The company suggests enhancing the Reaper’s survivability with air-to-air missiles and early warning radar, countering criticisms of its vulnerability in modern combat scenarios.
  

Key Points: 

  1. Recent Downing of MQ-9 Reaper: A MQ-9 Reaper drone was shot down by Houthi militants, highlighting concerns about its use in contested environments.
  2. Criticism of Drone’s Sustainability: Critics argue that the MQ-9, being expensive and slow to regenerate, may not be suitable for operations within range of surface-to-air missiles.
  3. General Atomics’ Defense: General Atomics has countered this criticism, emphasizing that replacing the MQ-9 with smaller drones would significantly reduce payload and endurance.
  4. Recommendations for Enhancing Survivability: To improve the MQ-9’s capabilities, suggestions include integrating air-to-air missiles and early warning radar systems.
  5. Broader Discussion on Drone Use: The incident and subsequent debate contribute to a broader discussion on the role and sustainability of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare.

 

Source: https://www.c4isrnet.com/unmanned/uas/2023/11/16/general-atomics-fires-back-at-critics-of-mq-9-drone-after-downing/ 

Editor Staff

Editor Staff

The Editor Staff at SOFX comprises a diverse, global team of dedicated staff writers and skilled freelancers. Together, they form the backbone of our reporting and content creation.

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