General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has deployed its MQ-9A Reaper drone to support the US Marine Corps in training exercises at Twentynine Palms, California.
The activity is part of US Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC) and US joint forces preparation for drone operations in future dynamic environments.
The service-level training exercises program consists of drills in integrated live-fire, force-on-force MAGTF warfighting, and marine littoral operations.
A team of pilots and sensor personnel from the company and the US Marine Aircraft Group 36 operated the MQ-9A from Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, for the exercise.
Parts of the drill involved flights over military training sites in the Southwest US.
Supporting US Marines
According to GA-ASI, this is the first time a GA-ASI MQ-9A system has been integrated into the MAGTFTC for military drills.
“GA-ASI is always ready and willing to support the USMC exercises,” GA-ASI US Defense Strategic Development Vice President Patrick Shortsleeve stated.
“We know that being able to utilize an actual MQ-9A is critical to the success of these exercises and helps the USMC ramp-up their training program.”
‘A Key Contributor’
Last year, GA-ASI signed a contract to deliver eight MQ-9A extended-range drones to the US Marine Corps.
“This capability will be a key ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) contributor for the Marine Air Ground Task Force – and ultimately for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command – as we pace ourselves to outmaneuver our adversaries,” Shortsleeve said regarding the contract award.
