The U.S. Marine Corps has exceeded 1,000 flight hours with MQ-9A unmanned aircraft during training exercises and weapons instructor courses. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced this milestone, achieved through joint operations between Marines and GA-ASI personnel, demonstrating the platform’s integration within Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operations.
Key Capabilities Demonstrated:
Satellite launch/recovery from expeditionary sites near Twentynine Palms, CA
Advanced systems integration (SkyTower pod, Lynx® radar, AIS)
Full mission control via satellite from any location
Live-fire training and multi-domain coordination
David R. Alexander, GA-ASI President:
“Reaching 1,000 flight hours…is a testament to the reliability and adaptability of the MQ-9A platform. This achievement highlights the power of collaboration and the critical role the MQ-9A can play in supporting MAGTF’s mission readiness.”
Current Inventory:
17 MQ-9A delivered to USMC
3 additional aircraft expected by year’s end
The exercises validated the MQ-9A’s role in providing persistent ISR and extending sensor coverage for distributed operations.