The US deployed an expeditionary reconnaissance squadron of MQ-9 Reaper drones to Kunsan Air Base (South Korea), the US 7th Air Force confirmed in a statement this Monday.
“MQ-9 operations will support US and Korean intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance priorities throughout the Indo-Pacific theater of operations, enhancing joint capabilities to respond to emerging threats and situations, while strengthening our alliance,” the text reads.
Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Slater noted that this deployment brings a powerful capability to the region. “We are here to support the mission, deepen cooperation and demonstrate our shared commitment to maintaining security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific,” he declared.
The MQ-9 is a medium-altitude, long-range unmanned aircraft, designed for attack missions on dynamic targets and for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Additionally, it can support cooperative efforts in humanitarian aid, disaster response and other challenges.
According to the Yonhap agency, although the US Army had deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones on a rotating basis on the Korean Peninsula, this is the first time that the MQ-9 operational squadron has been activated in that area. With RT
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