An MQ-9 Reaper flies a training mission over the Nevada Test and Training Range Nevada. Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Rio Rosado.

 The US Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) has recently tested the upgraded satellite communications (SATCOM) capabilities of MQ-9 Reaper aircraft.

The test was conducted as part of a recently held multilateral exercise Northern Edge 2023 at the Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) in Alaska.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Sponsored by US Indo-Pacific Command, this joint field training exercise was led by Pacific Air Forces.

The assessment of MQ-9’s capabilities was held in collaboration with the 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron and 174th Attack Wing.

The US Air Force’s (USAF) MQ-9 is a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS), which is mainly deployed for carrying out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

See Also:

With the new SATCOM upgrade, the Air National Guard (ANG) pilots can now perform all the ISR missions in real-time from anywhere across the globe, directly from their remote bases in the US.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The upgraded SATCOM capabilities feature advanced satellite technology that helps in transmitting data and communications over long distances.

Furthermore, the technology will enable the RPAS to fly at high altitudes for extended period, while navigating the activities, positions and movements of adversary in real-time.

Test Programme manager major Ryan Nastase said: “The speed at which this modernisation effort and test programme has been accomplished highlights the Accelerate, Change, or Lose vision from US Air Force general CQ Brown Jr.”

The ANG is planning to deploy this upgraded MQ-9 aircraft for various operations, training exercises and other missions worldwide to fulfil the US national security objectives.

Hancock Field ANG Base test pilot lieutenant colonel Matthew Harris said: “This upgrade is a game-changer for the MQ-9 and the ANG.

“We can better support our combatant commanders and provide critical intelligence in real-time.”