General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has delivered a MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 Extended Range (ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). The handover occurred on April 22, 2025, and the system will be operated by Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona.
The USMC will use the MQ-9A ER for operational testing and evaluation, as well as to develop tactics, techniques, and procedures within Marine Aviation as the MQ-9A becomes a core element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).
GA-ASI President David R. Alexander stated:
“The Marine Corps is building out its ISR capabilities with this new aircraft. We are excited to see what VMX-1 does in terms of operational test in preparation for pushing new capabilities into the field.”
The MQ-9A ER includes wing-borne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear, boosting its endurance beyond 30 hours and expanding operational flexibility. The platform offers long-endurance surveillance with capabilities such as Full-Motion Video, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Moving Target Indicator, and Maritime Mode Radar.
Designed for high reliability, the MQ-9A ER features a fault-tolerant flight control system and a triple-redundant avionics architecture, exceeding manned aircraft reliability standards.
To date, GA-ASI has delivered 18 MQ-9A UAS to the Marine Corps, with two additional deliveries expected by the end of 2025.