U.S. Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Training Squadron (VMUT)-2 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, has began assembly of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s (MAW) first MQ-9A on Apr. 10th.
The arrival of the Reaper for 2nd MAW marks the completion of the nationwide deployment of the MQ-9A across all Marine Aircraft Wings. VMU-1 (3rd MAW) received its first Reaper in August 2021, while VMU-3 (1st MAW) achieved initial operational capability in August 2023.
VMUT-2 is transitioning from the legacy RQ-21A Blackjack to become the designated MQ-9A Fleet Replacement Squadron. In this role, they will be responsible for training future MQ-9A pilots and sensor operators for the entire Marine Corps.
The MQ-9A Reaper offers a significant leap in capability compared to the Blackjack. This medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) drone boasts multisensor surveillance and reconnaissance functions, data relay capabilities, and even the ability to engage targets. Additionally, the Reaper provides critical support for maritime domain awareness, airborne network extension, and electronic warfare missions.
The Reaper’s impressive range of over 1,600 miles and 20+ hour operating time are further enhanced by the Marine Corps’ inclusion of external fuel tanks. This extended reach allows the Reaper to support a wider range of operational concepts.
The MQ-9A’s capabilities directly align with the USMC’s evolving operational doctrines, including distributed maritime operations, operating in contested littorals, and expeditionary advanced base operations.
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