The U.S. Marine Corps is bolstering its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities by equipping its MQ-9 Reaper drones with advanced electronic warfare pods. These modifications, part of a broader strategy to improve battlefield connectivity and situational awareness, were showcased during a recent event at the Brookings Institution.
The MQ-9 Reaper, a long-endurance unmanned aerial system (UAS), is being fitted with the T-SOAR (Scalable Open Architecture Reconnaissance) pod. This pod significantly enhances the drone’s stealth capabilities by mimicking enemy radar and communication emissions, rendering the aircraft nearly invisible to enemy detection. “What they bring with them is a sensing and making sense capability,” explained General Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps.
The T-SOAR pod, a derivative of the SOAR system developed by General Atomics and L3Harris, allows the MQ-9 to detect, identify, and locate radar and communication signals from a distance. It then sends these signals back to the source, effectively making the drone undetectable. This technology provides the Reaper with a “black hole” effect, where it becomes mostly invisible to enemy radar systems.
The Marine Corps envisions the MQ-9 Reaper as a crucial asset for multiple missions, including communications and data relay, electronic warfare, and ISR operations in the Indo-Pacific region. This capability is particularly important for countering China’s growing influence and assertiveness in the region. The enhanced Reapers are expected to support operations by exchanging data with satellites, other drones, aircraft, ships, expeditionary advanced bases, and ground control stations.
The acquisition of the MQ-9 Reapers is part of the Marine Corps’ MUX MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) initiative. This initiative aims to field 20 MQ-9A Block 5 systems, including ground control stations and Sky Tower data networking and communication relay pods. As of now, at least 12 of these drones have been fielded.
The Reaper drones, measuring 36 feet in length with a 66-foot wingspan, can endure flights of up to 27 hours and operate at altitudes of 50,000 feet. They have a payload capacity of 3,000 pounds externally and 850 pounds internally, and can reach speeds of 240 knots.
General Smith highlighted the importance of these drones in the modern battlefield. “If you’re going to be out-sticked by the adversary, then in terms of sensing and in terms of striking, you’re of no value,” he stated. The MQ-9s are designed to sense at range, make sense of the gathered data, and share it across the battlespace, thereby enhancing the joint force’s operational effectiveness.
Looking ahead, the Marine Corps is focused on increasing the autonomy of its unmanned systems. General Smith emphasized that while human oversight is required, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning will allow for more automated operations. This approach is already being implemented in systems like the Navy’s automated Close-In Weapons System (CIWS), which can engage targets without continuous human input.
The integration of advanced electronic warfare pods into the MQ-9 Reaper drones represents a significant step forward in the Marine Corps’ efforts to maintain a technological edge on the battlefield. By enhancing the drone’s stealth and data-sharing capabilities, the Corps aims to ensure superior situational awareness and decision-making in complex and contested environments.
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