View source for Engineering:General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper

{{Short description|American unmanned aerial vehicle}}
<!-- This article is a part of Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft. Please see Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout and guidelines. -->
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
| name = MQ-9 Reaper / Predator B
| image = MQ-9 Reaper UAV (cropped).jpg
| caption = U.S. Air Force MQ-9A Reaper armed with a Paveway and 2 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
| type = [[Engineering:Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|Unmanned combat aerial vehicle]]
| national origin = United States
| manufacturer = [[Company:General Atomics Aeronautical Systems|General Atomics Aeronautical Systems]]
| first flight = {{Start date and age|2001|02|02|df=yes}}
| introduction = 1 May 2007<!--date the aircraft entered or will enter military or revenue service-->
| retired = <!--date the aircraft left military or revenue service. If vague or multiples, it probably should be skipped-->
| status = In service<!--in most cases, this field is redundant; use it sparingly -->
| primary user = {{wipe|United States Air Force}}<!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on number of their fleets. -->
| more users = {{plainlist|
* U.S. Customs and Border Protection
* {{wipe|Italian Air Force}}
* {{wipe|Royal Air Force}}<!-- Limit is three (3) in 'more users' field, four (4) total users with primary user. See Operators section below for others. -->}}
| produced = <!--Years in production, e.g. 1970–1999, if still in active use but no longer built-->
| number built = 300+ {{As of|2021|lc=y}}<ref name=insinna/>
| developed from = [[Engineering:General Atomics MQ-1 Predator|General Atomics MQ-1 Predator]]
| variants with their own articles = 
| developed into = {{Plainlist|
* [[Engineering:General Atomics Avenger|General Atomics Avenger]]
* General Atomics Mojave
}}
}}
|}

The '''General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper''' (sometimes called '''Predator B''') is an [[Engineering:Unmanned aerial vehicle|unmanned aerial vehicle]] (UAV, one component of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS)) capable of remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations, developed by [[Company:General Atomics Aeronautical Systems|General Atomics Aeronautical Systems]] (GA-ASI) primarily for the {{wipe|United States Air Force}} (USAF). The MQ-9 and other UAVs are referred to as Remotely Piloted Vehicles/Aircraft (RPV/RPA) by the USAF to indicate ground control by humans.<ref name=decision>{{cite web |last=Escutia |first=Sondra |title=4 remotely piloted vehicle squadrons stand up at Holloman |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123175232 |publisher=US Air Force |access-date=1 January 2012 |date=29 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729155412/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123175232 |archive-date=29 July 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Peterson |first=Kyle |title=You say "drone," I say "remotely piloted" |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-aero-arms-summit-drones-idUSTRE5BF4DZ20091216 |publisher=Reuters |access-date=1 January 2012 |date=16 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726012232/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/12/16/us-aero-arms-summit-drones-idUSTRE5BF4DZ20091216 |archive-date=26 July 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The MQ-9 is a larger, heavier, more capable aircraft than the earlier [[Engineering:General Atomics MQ-1 Predator|General Atomics MQ-1 Predator]] and can be controlled by the same ground systems.  The Reaper has a 950-shaft-horsepower (712&nbsp;kW) [[Engineering:Turboprop|turboprop]] engine (compared to the Predator's {{convert|115|hp|kW|abbr=on}} piston engine). The greater power allows the Reaper to carry 15 times more ordnance payload and cruise at about three times the speed of the MQ-1.<ref name="nameMQ9"/>

The aircraft is monitored and controlled, including weapons employment, by aircrew in the Ground Control Station (GCS).<ref name=USAFfactsheet/> The MQ-9 is the first hunter-killer UAV designed for long-endurance, high-altitude [[Social:Surveillance aircraft|surveillance]].<ref name="nameMQ9">{{cite web |title='Reaper' moniker given to MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123027012 |publisher=US Air Force |access-date=1 January 2012 |date=14 September 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914055555/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123027012 |archive-date=14 September 2011}}</ref> In 2006, {{wipe|Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force}} General T. Michael Moseley said: "We've moved from using UAVs primarily in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roles before Operation Iraqi Freedom, to a true hunter-killer role with the Reaper."<ref name="nameMQ9" />

The USAF operated over 300 MQ-9 Reapers as of May 2021.<ref name=insinna/> Several MQ-9 aircraft have been retrofitted with equipment upgrades to improve performance in "high-end combat situations", and all new MQ-9s will have those upgrades. 2035 is the projected end of the service life of the MQ-9 fleet.<ref name=insinna>{{Cite news |title=Get ready for another fight over the future of the MQ-9 Reaper |last=Insinna |first=Valerie |work=Defense News |date=26 May 2021 |url= https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/05/26/get-ready-for-another-fight-over-the-future-of-the-mq-9-reaper/}}</ref> The average unit cost of an MQ-9 is estimated at ${{Inflation|US|22.259|2008}} million {{As of|{{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}|lc=y|alt=in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}} dollars.}}<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Cooper |first1=Helene |last2=Schmitt |first2=Eric |date=March 15, 2023 |title=Pentagon chief says he spoke to his Russian counterpart about the drone incident. |work={{wipe|The New York Times}} |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/03/16/world/russia-ukraine-news/pentagon-chief-russia-drone-incident}}</ref><ref name="2018_SAR">{{Cite web |date=December 2018 |title=Selected Acquisition Report (SAR): MQ-9 UAS Reaper |url=https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/FOID/Reading%20Room/Selected_Acquisition_Reports/FY_2018_SARS/19-F-1098_DOC_09_Air%20Force_MQ-9_Reaper_SAR_Dec_2018_REDACTED.pdf |website=Washington Headquarters Services |publisher=Department of Defense |id=DD-A&T(Q&A)823-424}}</ref> The Reaper is also used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the militaries of several other countries. The MQ-9A has been further developed into the MQ-9B, which (based on mission and payload) are referred to by General Atomics as SkyGuardian or SeaGuardian.

==Development==

===Origins===
The General Atomics "Predator B-001", a [[Proof of concept|proof-of-concept]] aircraft, first flew on 2 February 2001. Abraham Karem is the designer of the Predator.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whittle |first1=Richard |title=The Man Who Invented the Predator |url=http://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/the-man-who-invented-the-predator-3970502/?no-ist |website=Air & Space Magazine |access-date=28 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204054319/http://www.airspacemag.com/flight-today/the-man-who-invented-the-predator-3970502/?no-ist |archive-date=4 February 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The B-001 was powered by an [[Company:AlliedSignal|AlliedSignal]] Garrett TPE331-10T turboprop engine with {{convert|950|shp}}. It had an airframe that was based on the standard Predator airframe, except with an enlarged fuselage and wings lengthened from {{convert|48|feet}} to {{convert|66|feet}}. The B-001 had a speed of {{convert|220|knots}} and could carry a payload of {{convert|750|lb}} to an altitude of {{convert|50000|feet}} with an endurance of 30 hours.<ref name="GA">{{cite web |url=http://www.uav.com/products/predator_b.html |title=Predator B UAS |publisher=General Atomics |access-date=12 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011121614/http://www.uav.com/products/predator_b.html |archive-date=11 October 2008 }}</ref>

The company refined the design, taking it in two separate directions. The first was a jet-powered version; "Predator B-002" was fitted with a [[Engineering:Williams FJ44|Williams FJ44]]-2A [[Engineering:Turbofan|turbofan]] engine with {{convert|10.2|kN|lbf|lk=on}} thrust. It had payload capacity of {{convert|475|lb}}, a ceiling of {{convert|60000|ft|km}} and endurance of 12 hours. The USAF ordered two aircraft for evaluation, delivered in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/predator/ |work=airforce-technology.com |title=Predator RQ-1 / MQ-1 / MQ-9 Reaper |access-date=12 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305014947/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/predator/ |archive-date=5 March 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Unreliable source? |reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST |date=June 2016}} The two prototype airframes B-001 and B-002 have been retired to the USAF museum at Wright-Patterson AFB. B-002 was originally equipped with the FJ-44 engine but it was removed and a TPE-331-10T was installed so that the USAF could take delivery of two aircraft in the same configuration.

The second direction the design took, referred to by GA as the "Altair", was the "Predator B-003", which has a new airframe with an {{convert|84|ft|adj=on}} wingspan and a takeoff weight of approximately {{convert|7000|lb}}. Like the Predator B-001, it is powered by a TPE-331-10YGD turboprop. This variant has a payload capacity of {{convert|3000|lb}}, a maximum ceiling of {{convert|52000|ft|km}}, and an endurance of 36 hours.<ref>Note: endurance figures vary greatly from source to source. The current figure being publicized by the USAF is 14 hours.</ref><ref name="vector">{{cite web |url=http://www.vectorsite.net/twuav.html |title=Unmanned Aerial Vehicles |author=Greg Goebel |access-date=12 January 2012 |date=1 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110013056/http://www.vectorsite.net/twuav.html |archive-date=10 November 2012 }}</ref>

In October 2001, the USAF signed a contract for an initial pair of Predator Bs (001 and 002) for evaluation. Designated YMQ-9s due to their prototype role, they were delivered in 2002.<ref name="GA"/> The USAF referred to it as "Predator B" until it was renamed "Reaper". The USAF aimed for the Predator B to provide an improved "deadly persistence" capability, flying over a combat area night-and-day waiting for a target to present itself, complementing piloted attack aircraft, typically used to drop larger quantities of ordnance on a target, while a cheaper RPV can operate almost continuously using ground controllers working in shifts, but carrying less ordnance.<ref name="vector"/>

===Operation===
[[File:MQ-9 Reaper Satcom.jpg|thumb|The satellite antenna and sensors of an NOAA-NASA flight demonstrator, 2005]]

MQ-9 Reaper crews (pilots and sensor operators), stationed at bases such as Creech Air Force Base, near Las Vegas, Nevada, can hunt for targets and observe terrain using multiple sensors, including a [[Physics:Thermographic camera|thermographic camera]]. One claim was that the onboard camera is able to read a license plate from {{convert|2|mi|spell=in}} away.<ref name='Time 2009-06-01'>{{cite magazine |title= Reaper: A New Way to Wage War |magazine= Time |date= 1 June 2009 |page= 40}}</ref> An operator's command takes 1.2&nbsp;seconds to reach the drone via a [[Astronomy:Satellite|satellite]] link.

The MQ-9 is fitted with six stores pylons. The inner stores pylons can carry a maximum of {{convert|1500|lb}} each and allow carriage of external fuel tanks. The mid-wing stores pylons can carry a maximum of {{convert|600|lb}} each, while the outer stores pylons can carry a maximum of {{convert|200|lb}} each. An MQ-9 with two {{convert|1000|lb|adj=on}} external fuel tanks and {{convert|1000|lb}} of munitions has an endurance of 42&nbsp;hours.<ref name="vector" /> The Reaper has an endurance of 14&nbsp;hours when fully loaded with munitions.<ref name="nameMQ9" />

The MQ-9 carries a variety of weapons including the GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb, the AGM-114 Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles, the [[Engineering:AIM-9 Sidewinder|AIM-9 Sidewinder]],<ref name="Time 2009-06-01" /> and the GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). Tests are underway to allow for the addition of the AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missile.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}

By October 2007, the USAF owned nine Reapers,<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123071527 |title=Air Force's hunter-killer UAV now flying in Afghanistan |date=10 November 2007 |publisher=US Air Force |access-date=12 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629174055/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123071527 |archive-date=29 June 2011 }}</ref> and by December 2010 had 57 with plans to buy another 272, for a total of 329 Reapers.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/12/air-force-is-through-with-predator-drones/ |title=Air Force Is Through With Predator Drones |author=Spencer Ackerman |date=14 December 2010 |magazine=Wired |access-date=12 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105020523/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/12/air-force-is-through-with-predator-drones |archive-date=5 January 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Critics have stated that the USAF's insistence on qualified pilots flying RPVs is a bottleneck to expanding deployment. USAF Major General William Rew stated on 5 August 2008, "For the way we fly them right now"—fully integrated into air operations and often flying missions alongside manned aircraft—"we want pilots to fly them."<ref>{{cite news |author=Shaun Waterman |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/aug/05/bigger-deadlier-reaper-drone-deployed-in-iraq/ |newspaper=The Washington Times |title=Bigger, Deadlier Reaper Drone Deployed in Iraq |date=5 August 2008 |access-date=5 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628082717/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/aug/05/bigger-deadlier-reaper-drone-deployed-in-iraq/ |archive-date=28 June 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> This reportedly has exacerbated losses of USAF aircraft in comparison with US Army operations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/04/29/young_usaf_predator_pilot_officer_slam/ |title=USAF slammed for pranging Predators on manual |newspaper=The Register |date=29 April 2009 |access-date=12 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203040412/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/04/29/young_usaf_predator_pilot_officer_slam/ |archive-date=3 February 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2011, U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Robert Gates stated that, while manned aircraft are needed, the USAF must recognize "the enormous strategic and cultural implications of the vast expansion in remotely piloted vehicles..." and stated that as the service buys manned fighters and bombers, it must give equal weight to unmanned drones and "the service's important role in the cyber and space domains."<ref name="Remarks20110304"/>

{{As of|2018}} the USAF had taken delivery of 287 out of 366 MQ-9 Reapers on contract with General Atomics. The total program quantity is set at 433, including Foreign Military Sales.<ref name="2018_SAR" />

In 2013, the {{wipe|Air Force Special Operations Command}} (AFSOC) sought the ability to pack up an MQ-9 in less than eight hours, fly it anywhere in the world aboard a C-17 Globemaster III, and then have it ready to fly in another eight hours to support special operations teams at places with no infrastructure. MQ-1 and MQ-9 drones must fly aboard cargo aircraft to travel long distances as they lack the refueling technology or speed to travel themselves; the C-17 is large enough to carry the aircraft and support systems and can land on short runways. Pilots traveling with the Reaper will use the ground control station to launch and land the aircraft, while most of the flying will be done by US-based pilots.<ref>[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/16/socom-wants-to-deploy-mq9-drones-to-remote-areas.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm SOCOM Wants to Deploy MQ-9 Drones to Remote Areas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015215158/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/16/socom-wants-to-deploy-mq9-drones-to-remote-areas.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm |date=15 October 2013}} – Military.com, 16 September 2013</ref>

===Testbed and upgrades===
In November 2012, Raytheon completed ground verification tests for the ADM-160 MALD and MALD-J for integration onto the Reaper for an unmanned suppression of enemy air defenses capability.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raytheon-and-general-atomics-team-up-to-integrate-mald-onto-reaper-382308/ Raytheon and General Atomics team-up to integrate MALD onto Reaper] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218141300/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raytheon-and-general-atomics-team-up-to-integrate-mald-onto-reaper-382308/ |date=18 February 2013}} – Flightglobal.com, 13 February 2013</ref> On 12 April 2013, a company-owned MQ-9 equipped with a jamming pod and digital receiver/exciter successfully demonstrated its [[Social:Electronic warfare|electronic warfare]] capability at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, performing its mission in coordination with over 20 participating aircraft.<ref>[http://www.deagel.com/news/Predator-B-Successfully-Demonstrates-Electronic-Attack-Capability-in-USMC-Exercise_n000011810.aspx Predator B Successfully Demonstrates Electronic Attack Capability in USMC Exercise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201225115/http://www.deagel.com/news/Predator-B-Successfully-Demonstrates-Electronic-Attack-Capability-in-USMC-Exercise_n000011810.aspx |date=1 February 2014}} – Deagel.com, 13 August 2013</ref> A second electronic warfare test, fitted with the [[Company:Northrop Grumman|Northrop Grumman]] Pandora EW System, was conducted on 22 October 2013 with other unmanned aircraft and [[Engineering:Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler|Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler]]s, showing effectiveness in a multi-node approach against a more capable IADS.<ref>[http://www.suasnews.com/2014/01/27108/ga-asi-northrop-grumman-showcase-addl-unmanned-ea-attack-capabilities-in-2nd-usmc-exercise/ GA-ASI & Northrop Grumman Showcase Add’l Unmanned EA Attack Capabilities in 2nd USMC Exercise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203041258/http://www.suasnews.com/2014/01/27108/ga-asi-northrop-grumman-showcase-addl-unmanned-ea-attack-capabilities-in-2nd-usmc-exercise/ |date=3 February 2014}} – sUASNews.com, 22 January 2014</ref>

In 2011, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) reported its interest in using the Reaper and its MTS-B sensor to provide firing quality data for early interception of [[Physics:Ballistic missile|ballistic missile]] launches. The MDA is exploring concepts to use the UAV's EO/IR sensor to achieve "launch-on-remote" capabilities with missile interceptors before detection by Aegis radars.  At least two aircraft would be needed to triangulate a target to provide high-fidelity data. The MTS-B includes short and mid-wave IR bands, optimal for tracking launch and rocket burn.<ref>[http://www.uasvision.com/2011/08/24/us-missile-defense-agency-testing-reaper-as-missile-hunter/ US Missile Defense Agency Testing Reaper as Missile Hunter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115141550/http://www.uasvision.com/2011/08/24/us-missile-defense-agency-testing-reaper-as-missile-hunter/ |date=15 January 2016}} – UASvision.com, 24 August 2011</ref>

In 2013, the MDA terminated plans to build a follow-on to the two orbiting Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) satellites due to near-term costs, opting to continue testing the Reaper for ballistic missile target discrimination. The MDA planned to test the improved MTS-C sensor, which adds a long-wave IR detector optimized for tracking cold bodies such as missiles and warheads after booster burnout, or plumes and exhaust. The goal is to use data from multiple high-flying UAVs to provide an offboard cue to launch an SM-3 missile from an Aegis ship.<ref>[http://aviationweek.com/awin/mda-eyes-uavs-discrimination-boost-phase-kill MDA Eyes UAVs For Discrimination, Boost-Phase Kill] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115141550/http://aviationweek.com/awin/mda-eyes-uavs-discrimination-boost-phase-kill |date=15 January 2016}} – Aviationweek.com, 16 August 2013</ref> Two Reapers demonstrated their ability to track ballistic missiles using their MTS-B EO/IR turret during a test in late June 2016.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-reapers-demonstrate-missile-tracking-capability-428539/ USAF Reapers demonstrate missile tracking capability] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817135535/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-reapers-demonstrate-missile-tracking-capability-428539/ |date=17 August 2016}} – Flightglobal.com, 16 August 2016</ref>

In June 2015, a study by the USAF's Scientific Advisory Board identified several improvements for operating the Reaper in contested airspace; adding readily available sensors, weapons, and threat detection and countermeasures could increase situational awareness and enable riskier deployments. Suggestions included a [[Engineering:Radar warning receiver|radar warning receiver]] (RWR) to know when it's being targeted, air-to-air and miniature air-to-ground weapons, manned-unmanned teaming, multi-UAV control, automatic take-offs and landings, and precision navigation and timing systems to fly in [[Engineering:GPS|GPS]]-denied areas. Another idea was redesigned ground control stations with user-friendly video game-like controllers and touchscreen maps to access data without overwhelming operators.<ref>[http://www.defenseone.com/technology/2015/08/air-force-wants-make-its-drones-smarter-and-deadlier/118823/?oref=d-skybox The Air Force Wants To Make Its Drones Smarter and Deadlier] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806142826/http://www.defenseone.com/technology/2015/08/air-force-wants-make-its-drones-smarter-and-deadlier/118823/?oref=d-skybox |date=6 August 2015}} – Defenseone.com, 3 August 2015</ref><ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-science-panel-recommends-mq-9-rq-4-improvement-415344/ USAF science panel recommends MQ-9, RQ-4 improvement plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808023520/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-science-panel-recommends-mq-9-rq-4-improvement-415344/ |date=8 August 2015}} – Flightglobal.com, 5 August 2015</ref>

In October 2015, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for ISR Robert Otto suggested redesigning the MQ-9's GCS to be operated by one person for most missions rather than two (to fly and work the sensors) to simplify operations and reduce manpower requirements by hundreds of sensor operators. Introducing an auto-land capability would also reduce the Reaper's manpower requirements to staff launch and recovery teams.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-intel-chief-proposes-single-operator-mq-9-cockp-418317/ USAF intel chief proposes single-operator MQ-9 cockpit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029190828/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-intel-chief-proposes-single-operator-mq-9-cockp-418317/ |date=29 October 2015}} – Flightglobal.com, 28 October 2015</ref> Automatic take-off and landing capabilities are already present in the RQ-4 Global Hawk and [[Engineering:General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle|MQ-1C Gray Eagle]], and are planned to be provided to the MQ-9 in 2017.  The Air Force requires the manually loaded Reaper to operate from a runway at least {{convert|5000|ft|km|abbr=on}} long, but automated take-offs and landings would enable it to operate from a {{convert|3000|ft|km|abbr=on}} runway.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-to-automate-mq-9-takeoffs-and-landings-424975/ USAF to automate MQ-9 takeoffs and landings] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506052010/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-to-automate-mq-9-takeoffs-and-landings-424975/ |date=6 May 2016}} – Flightglobal.com, 4 May 2016</ref>

In April 2017, an MQ-9 Block 5 flew with a [[Company:Raytheon|Raytheon]] ALR-69A RWR in its payload pod to demonstrate the aircraft's ability to conduct missions in the proximity of threat radars and air defenses, the first time this capability was demonstrated on a remotely piloted aircraft.<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017/04/11/Radar-warning-receiver-flies-for-first-time-in-Predator-drone/2571491931789/ Radar warning receiver flies for the first time in Predator drone] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507041506/http://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017/04/11/Radar-warning-receiver-flies-for-first-time-in-Predator-drone/2571491931789/ |date=7 May 2017}} – UPI.com, 11 April 2017</ref> In September 2020, a Reaper was flown carrying two Hellfire missiles on each of the stations previously reserved for 500 lb bombs or fuel tanks. A software upgrade doubled the aircraft's capacity to eight missiles.<ref>[https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/09/30/mq-9-reaper-drone-flies-double-hellfire-missiles-new-test.html MQ-9 Reaper Drone Flies with Double Hellfire Missiles in New Test]. ''Military.com''. 30 September 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.airforcemag.com/mq-9-software-upgrade-doubles-hellfire-capacity/ MQ-9 Software Upgrade Doubles Hellfire Capacity]. ''Air Force Magazine''. 30 September 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2020/10/01/double-the-firepower-mq-9-tests-flying-with-eight-hellfire-missiles/ Double the firepower: MQ-9 tests flying with eight Hellfire missile]. ''{{wipe|Air Force Times}}''. 1 October 2020.</ref>

Pentagon wants to upgrade MQ-9 Reaper with directed-energy weapons such as low-powered laser and high-powered microwave beams. A high-field optical module to act on the human nervous system is also under consideration.<ref>{{Cite web|last=GDC|date=14 July 2021|title=Pentagon Wants To Equip MQ-9 Reaper With Directed-Energy Weapons|url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/07/15/pentagon-wants-to-equip-mq-9-reaper-with-directed-energy-weapons-2/|access-date=15 July 2021|website=Global Defense Corp|language=en-US}}</ref>

In September 2020, GA-ASI conducted captive carry tests of the Sparrowhawk Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) on the MQ-9, with the Reaper itself acting as a drone mothership. The MQ-9B Sky Guardian will be able to carry up to four Sparrowhawks.<ref name="Ewing2022">{{cite web |last1=Ewing |first1=Philip |title=GA-ASI: The Future of Small UAS |url=https://www.ga-asi.com/ga-asi-the-future-of-small-uas |website=General Atomics Aeronautical |publisher=General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. |access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref>

==Design==
[[File:MQ-9 Afghanistan takeoff 1 Oct 07.JPG|thumb|upright=1.4|An MQ-9 taxiing in Afghanistan, 2007]]<!--resized for awkward picture shape-->

A typical MQ-9 system consists of multiple aircraft, ground control station, communications equipment, maintenance spares, and personnel. A military flight crew includes a pilot, sensor operator, and Mission Intelligence Coordinator.<ref name=USAFfactsheet>{{cite web |title=MQ-9 REAPER fact sheet |url=http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104470/mq-9-reaper.aspx |publisher=US Air Force |date=18 August 2010 |access-date=27 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826113318/http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104470/mq-9-reaper.aspx |archive-date=26 August 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The aircraft is powered by a {{convert|950|hp}} [[Engineering:Turboprop|turboprop]], with a maximum speed of about {{convert|260|knots}} and a cruising speed of {{convert|150|-|170|knot|mph km/h}}.<ref name="Collinson, R.P.G. 2011 495">{{cite book |author=Collinson, R.P.G. |title=Introduction to Avionic Systems |publisher=Springer |date=2011 |isbn=978-94-007-0707-8 |page=495 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aU8SMhzrScgC&pg=PA495}}</ref>

With a {{convert|66|ft|m|abbr=on}} wingspan, and a maximum payload of {{convert|3800|lb|kg|abbr=on}}, the MQ-9 can be armed with a variety of weaponry, including Hellfire missiles and {{cvt|500|lb|kg}} laser-guided bomb units.<ref name="Collinson, R.P.G. 2011 495"/> Its endurance is 30 hours when conducting ISR missions, which decreases to 23 hours if it is carrying a full weapons load.<ref>[https://archive.today/20140517154223/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140513/DEFREG/305120020/Ready-for-Retirement-Can-Predator-Find-New-Home Ready for Retirement, Can Predator Find New Home?] – Defensenews.com, 13 May 2014</ref> The Reaper has a range of {{convert|1000|nmi|mi km|sigfig=3|abbr=on}} and an operational altitude of {{convert|25000|ft|m|abbr=on}}, which makes it especially useful for long-term loitering operations, both for surveillance and support of ground troops.<ref>{{cite book |author=Elmendorf, Douglas W. |title=Alternatives for Modernizing U.S. Fighter Forces |publisher=DIANE Publishing |date=2010 |isbn=978-1-4379-2250-9 |page=38 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UZhaVCzYIncC&pg=PA38}}</ref>

[[File:First MQ-9 Reaper at Creech AFB 2007.jpg|thumb|The first MQ-9 arriving at Creech AFB, March 2007]]
The Predator and Reaper were designed for military operations and not intended to operate among crowded airline traffic. The aircraft typically lack systems capable of complying with FAA See-And-Avoid regulations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uvs-info.com/phocadownload/05_3f_2006/145-150_Sense-Avoid_USAF-Perspective.pdf |title=Sense and Avoid: The United States Air Force Perspective |work=UVS-Info |access-date=27 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304044559/http://uvs-info.com/phocadownload/05_3f_2006/145-150_Sense-Avoid_USAF-Perspective.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref> In 2005, requests were made for MQ-9s to be used in search and rescue operations following Hurricane Katrina but, as there was no FAA authorization in place at the time, it was not used. On 18 May 2006, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a certificate of authorization allowing MQ-1 and MQ-9 UAVs to fly in U.S. civil airspace to search for survivors of disasters.<ref>{{cite web |author=SSgt Amy Robinson |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123024467 |title=FAA Authorizes Predators to seek survivors |publisher=Air Combat Command Public Affairs |date=11 August 2006 |access-date=1 September 2006 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629064215/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123024467 |archive-date=29 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

An MQ-9 can adopt various mission kits and combinations of weapon and sensor payloads to meet combat requirements. Its Raytheon AN/AAS-52{{citation needed|date=October 2016}} multi-spectral targeting sensor suite includes a color/monochrome daylight TV, infrared, and image-intensified TV with [[Physics:Laser rangefinder|laser rangefinder]]/[[Engineering:Laser designator|laser designator]] to designate targets for laser guided munitions.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}} The aircraft is also equipped with the Lynx Multi-mode Radar that contains synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that can operate in both spotlight and strip modes, and ground moving target indication (GMTI) with Dismount Moving Target Indicator (DMTI) and Maritime Wide-Area Search (MWAS) capabilities.<ref>[http://www.suasnews.com/2014/08/30876/ga-asi-radar-shines-during-usn-spearhead-iia-exercise/ GA-ASI Radar Shines During USN Spearhead IIA Exercise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015220823/http://www.suasnews.com/2014/08/30876/ga-asi-radar-shines-during-usn-spearhead-iia-exercise/ |date=15 October 2014}} – sUASNews.com, 28 August 2014</ref>

The Reaper was used as a test bed for [[Engineering:Gorgon Stare|Gorgon Stare]], a wide-area surveillance sensor system.<ref name=usafmag>{{cite journal |url=http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2011/November%202011/1111RPA.aspx |journal=Airforce-magazine.com |title=The New Normal for RPAs |author=Marc V. Schanz |date=November 2011 |volume=94 |issue=11 |page=53 |access-date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120160846/http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2011/November%202011/1111RPA.aspx |archive-date=20 November 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Increment 1 of the system was first fielded in March 2011 on the Reaper and could cover an area of {{convert|16|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}; increment 2, incorporating [[Engineering:ARGUS-IS|ARGUS-IS]] and expanding the coverage area to {{convert|100|km2|mi2|abbr=on}}, achieved initial operating capability (IOC) in early 2014. The system has 368 cameras capable of capturing five million pixels each to create an image of about 1.8&nbsp;billion pixels; video is collected at 12 frames per second, producing several terabytes of data per minute.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sierra-nevada-fields-argus-is-upgrade-to-gorgon-stare-400978/ Sierra Nevada fields ARGUS-IS upgrade to Gorgon Stare pod] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014212710/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sierra-nevada-fields-argus-is-upgrade-to-gorgon-stare-400978/ |date=14 October 2014}} – Flightglobal.com, 2 July 2014</ref>

In January 2012, General Atomics released a new trailing arm design for the Reaper's main landing gear. Benefits include an over 30% increase in landing weight capacity, a 12% increase in gross takeoff weight (from {{convert|10500|lb}} to {{convert|11700|lb}}), a maintenance-free shock absorber (eliminating the need for nitrogen pressurization), a fully rejected takeoff brake system, and provisions for automatic takeoff and landing capability and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) field upgrades.<ref>[http://www.ga-asi.com/news_events/index.php?read=1&id=375&date=2012 GA-ASI Introduces New Design on Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper Landing Gear] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904020504/http://www.ga-asi.com/news_events/index.php?read=1&id=375&date=2012 |date=4 September 2012}} – GA-ASI, 9 January 2012</ref> In April 2012, General Atomics announced possible upgrades to USAF Reapers, including two extra {{convert|100|usgal|L|adj=on}} fuel pods under the wings to increase endurance to 37 hours. The wingspan can also be increased to {{convert|88|ft}}, increasing endurance to 42 hours.<ref>[https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/04/killer-drone-upgrade/ Extended Endurance Reaper] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311140437/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/04/killer-drone-upgrade/ |date=11 March 2014}}. Wired.com</ref><ref>[http://www.ga.com/news.php?read=1&id=388 Reaper upgrades] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423093933/http://www.ga.com/news.php?read=1&id=388 |date=23 April 2012}} – General Atomics</ref>

The USAF has bought 38 Reaper Extended Range (ER) versions, carrying external fuel tanks (which don't affect weapon capacity), the heavy-weight landing gear, a four-bladed propeller, a new fuel management system that ensures fuel and thermal balance among external tank, wing, and fuselage fuel sources, and an alcohol-water injection (AWI) system to shorten required runway takeoff length. These features increase endurance from 27 to 33–35 hours, while the company is still pitching the lengthened wing option. The Reaper ER first flew operationally in August 2015.<ref>[http://www.suasnews.com/2014/07/30102/predator-b-er-conducts-first-long-range-endurance-flight/ Predator B ER Conducts First Long-Range Endurance Flight] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722062005/http://www.suasnews.com/2014/07/30102/predator-b-er-conducts-first-long-range-endurance-flight/ |date=22 July 2014}} – sUASNews.com, 17 July 2014</ref><ref>[http://defense-update.com/20150916_reaper_er.html Reaper ER Extends RPA Missions to +33 Hours] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920023440/http://defense-update.com/20150916_reaper_er.html |date=20 September 2015}} – Defense-Update.com, 16 September 2015</ref>

The aircraft also has the sensor ball replaced with a high-definition camera, better communications that allow ground controllers to see the higher quality video, software to enable automatic detection of threats and tracking of 12 moving targets at once, and the ability to "super ripple"-fire missiles within 0.32 seconds of each other.<ref>[http://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/the-drones-hunting-isis-have-grown-more-lethal The drones hunting ISIS have grown more lethal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420063618/http://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/the-drones-hunting-isis-have-grown-more-lethal |date=20 April 2016}} – Wearethemightly.com, 7 April 2016</ref>

On 25 February 2016, General Atomics announced a successful test flight of the new Predator-B/ER version. The new version had an extended wingspan of {{convert|79|ft|m}}, increasing its endurance to 40 hours. Other improvements included short-field takeoff and landing performance, spoilers on the wings to enable precision automatic landings and provision on the wings for leading-edge de-ice and integrated low- and high-band RF antennas.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ga.com/predator-b-extended-range-conducts-first-flight-with-long-wings |title=Predator B Extended Range Conducts First Flight With Long Wings |publisher=General Atomics & Affiliated Companies |access-date=17 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418000000/http://www.ga.com/predator-b-extended-range-conducts-first-flight-with-long-wings |archive-date=18 April 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Operational history==

===U.S. Air Force===
[[File:MQ-1 Predator controls 2007-08-07.jpg|thumb|MQ-1 UAV Flight Crew at Joint Base Balad (LSA Anaconda), Iraq, 7 August 2007]]

On 1 May 2007, the U.S. Air Force activated its 432nd Wing to operate MQ-9 Reapers and MQ-1 Predators at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. The pilots first conducted combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan that summer.<ref>{{cite news |title=Air Force stands up first unmanned aircraft systems wing |url=http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123051728 |author=Ryan Whitney |publisher=99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs |date=3 May 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070508192244/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123051728 |archive-date=8 May 2007 }}</ref> On 28 October 2007, an MQ-9 achieved its first "kill", firing a Hellfire missile against Afghan insurgents in the Deh Rawood region of the mountainous Oruzgan province.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/10/airforce_mq9_reaper_071029w/ |title=Reaper scores insurgent kill in Afghanistan |newspaper=Air Force Times |date=29 October 2007 |access-date=15 August 2008}}</ref> By 6 March 2008, according to Air Force Lieutenant General Gary North, the Reaper had attacked 16 targets in Afghanistan using {{convert|500|lb|abbr=on}} bombs and Hellfire missiles.<ref>Brook, Tom Vanden, "Air Force Requests More Fighter Drones", ''[[Software:USA Today|USA Today]]'', 6 March 2008, p. 6.</ref>

In 2008, the New York Air National Guard 174th Attack Wing began to switch from [[Engineering:General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]] fighters to Reapers, becoming the first fighter unit to convert entirely to [[Engineering:Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|unmanned combat aerial vehicle]] (UCAV) use.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/07/ap_reaper_070715/ |title=Unmanned Reapers bound for Iraq, Afghanistan |author=Charles J. Hanley |newspaper=Air Force Times |access-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> On 17 July 2008, the USAF began flying Reaper missions within Iraq from Balad Air Base.<ref>{{cite news |author=Thom Shanker |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/world/middleeast/29military.html |title=Air Force Plans Altered Role in Iraq |newspaper=The New York Times |date=29 July 2008 |access-date=21 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412211924/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/world/middleeast/29military.html |archive-date=12 April 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Jim Mannion |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080803/pl_afp/usiraqmilitaryair_080803175617 |title=Air Force Looks to a New Drone To Keep Peace in Iraq |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=3 August 2008}}{{dead link |date=June 2016 |bot=medic}}{{cbignore |bot=medic}}</ref> It was reported on 11 August 2008 that the 174th Fighter Wing would consist entirely of Reapers.<ref>{{cite news |title= Warplanes: Rise of the Droids |url= http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/articles/20080811.aspx |publisher= bv Strategy Page |date= 11 August 2008 |access-date= 12 August 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080813152558/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/articles/20080811.aspx |archive-date= 13 August 2008 |url-status= dead}}</ref> By March 2009 the USAF had 28 operational Reapers.<ref name=choice>{{cite news |first=Christopher |last=Drew |title=Drones Are Weapons of Choice in Fighting Qaeda |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/business/17uav.html |work={{wipe|The New York Times}} |date=16 March 2009 |access-date=17 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512203054/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/business/17uav.html?hp |archive-date=12 May 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Beginning in September 2009, Reapers were deployed by the Africa Command to the Seychelles islands for use in Indian Ocean anti-piracy patrols.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/24/world/main5417885.shtml |title=U.S. Deploys Drones Against Somali Pirates |author=Jason Straziuso |agency=Associated Press |date=24 October 2009 |access-date=26 September 2010 |publisher=CBS News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105084931/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/24/world/main5417885.shtml |archive-date=5 January 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 13 September 2009, positive control of an MQ-9 was lost during a combat mission over Afghanistan, after which the control-less drone started flying towards the Afghan border with Tajikistan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/world/26warlogs.html#report/97AF499B-848B-4FCC-9C0F-8D520A860F13 |title=(Non-Combat Event) Equipment Failure Rpr ISAF HQ: 0 INJ/DAM |work=The New York Times|date=25 July 2010 |first1=C.J. |last1=Chivers |first2=Alan |last2=McLean |first3=Amy |last3=Schoenfeld |first4=Archie |last4=Tse |access-date=21 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321071555/http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/world/26warlogs.html#report/97AF499B-848B-4FCC-9C0F-8D520A860F13 |archive-date=21 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> An F-15E Strike Eagle fired an AIM-9 missile at the drone, successfully destroying its engine. Before the drone impacted the ground, contact was reestablished with the drone, and it was flown into a mountain to destroy it. It was the first US drone to be destroyed intentionally by allied forces.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/2009/09/22/robot-airplane-goes-awol-gets-shot-down/ |title=Robot airplane goes AWOL, gets shot down |work=The Daily Planet |date=22 September 2009 |access-date=8 September 2010 |author=Tony Reichhardt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101116011334/http://blogs.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/2009/09/22/robot-airplane-goes-awol-gets-shot-down/ |archive-date=16 November 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

By July 2010, thirty-eight Predators and Reapers had been lost during combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, another nine were lost in training missions in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-drone-crashes-20100706,0,1508593.story?track=rss |work=Los Angeles Times |title=War zone drone crashes add up |first=David |last=Zucchino |date=6 July 2010 |access-date=7 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711001832/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-drone-crashes-20100706,0,1508593.story?track=rss |archive-date=11 July 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, the USAF conducted over 33,000 close air support missions, a more-than-20 percent increase compared with 2009.<ref name="Remarks20110304"/> By March 2011, the USAF had 48 Predator and Reaper combat air patrols flying in Iraq and Afghanistan compared with 18 in 2007.<ref name="Remarks20110304"/>

[[File:MQ-9 Reaper in flight (2007).jpg|thumb|An MQ-9A Reaper in Afghanistan, 2007]]
As of March 2011, the USAF was training more pilots for advanced unmanned aerial vehicles than for any other single weapons system.<ref name="Remarks20110304">{{cite news |url=http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4779 |work=Department of Defense News Transcript |title=Remarks by Secretary Gates at the United States Air Force Academy |date=4 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410130928/http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4779 |archive-date=10 April 2011}}</ref> In 2012, the Reaper, Predator and [[Engineering:Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk|Global Hawk]] were described as "... the most accident-prone aircraft in the Air Force fleet."<ref>McGarry, Brendan (18 June 2012) [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-18/drones-most-accident-prone-u-s-air-force-craft-bgov-barometer.html "Drones Most Accident-Prone U.S. Air Force Craft: BGOV Barometer"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826164644/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-18/drones-most-accident-prone-u-s-air-force-craft-bgov-barometer.html |date=26 August 2013}} Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved 4 February 2013</ref>

In October 2011, the USAF began operating Reapers out of Arba Minch Airport in Ethiopia for surveillance-only operations in Somalia.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15488804 |publisher=BBC News |title=US flies drones from Ethiopia to fight Somali militants |first=Steve |last=Kingstone |date=28 October 2011 |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119213107/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15488804 |archive-date=19 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, both Reapers and Predators were deployed in Benghazi, Libya after the attack that killed the US ambassador in that city.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/09/libyan_officials_us_drones_beh.html |title=Libyan officials: U.S. drones behind airport closure |date=15 September 2012 |publisher=Blog.al.com |access-date=18 November 2012 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20121117074337/http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/09/libyan_officials_us_drones_beh.html |archive-date=17 November 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2013, the U.S. stationed a Predator at [[Place:Niamey|Niamey]] to provide intelligence for French forces during Operation Serval in Mali; it was later replaced by two MQ-9 Reapers. In April 2013, one of these Reapers crashed on a surveillance flight due to mechanical failure.<ref>[http://www.suasnews.com/2013/07/23777/us-drone-crashed-in-mali-in-april/ US drone crashed in Mali in April] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403212832/http://www.suasnews.com/2013/07/23777/us-drone-crashed-in-mali-in-april/ |date=3 April 2015}} – sUASNews.com, 13 July 2013</ref>

On 22 October 2013, the USAF fleets of MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper UAVs reached 2,000,000 flight hours. The RPA program began in the mid-1990s, taking 16 years to reach 1 million flight hours; the 2&nbsp;million hour mark was reached just two and a half years later.<ref>[http://www.suasnews.com/2013/10/25714/rpas-reach-2-million-hours/ RPAs reach 2 million hours] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030081359/http://www.suasnews.com/2013/10/25714/rpas-reach-2-million-hours/ |date=30 October 2013}} – sUASNews.com, 25 October 2013</ref>

The high demand for UAVs has caused Air Combat Command to increase pilot output from 188 in 2015 to 300 in 2017 at Holloman.<ref>Drew, James. "[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/holloman-afb-to-train-40-more-predator-reaper-pilots-in-415594/ Holloman AFB to train 40% more Predator, Reaper pilots in 2016]" ''FlightGlobal''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20150813193314/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/holloman-afb-to-train-40-more-predator-reaper-pilots-in-415594/ Archive]</ref>

On 13 November 2015, the Pentagon reported that an MQ-9 had killed [[Religion:Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIL]] member Mohammed Emwazi, popularly known as "Jihadi John", who was responsible for executing several Western prisoners.<ref>[http://defensetech.org/2015/11/13/reaper-strike-reportedly-kills-jihadi-john/ Reaper Strike Likely Killed ‘Jihadi John’] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115014814/http://defensetech.org/2015/11/13/reaper-strike-reportedly-kills-jihadi-john/ |date=15 November 2015}} – Defensetech.org, 13 November 2015</ref>

In 2015, a record number (20) of USAF drones crashed; investigators identified three parts of the starter-generator that were susceptible to breakdowns, but could not determine why they were failing. Col. William S. Leister informed Pentagon officials that investigators from the USAF, General Atomics and Skurka had investigated the problem for more than a year. The team, he said, had identified "numerous manufacturing quality issues" yet had been unable to determine the exact cause of the failures.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/01/19/more-u-s-military-drones-are-crashing-than-ever-as-new-problems-emerge/ |title=More Air Force drones are crashing than ever as mysterious new problems emerge |newspaper={{wipe|The Washington Post}} |access-date=25 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125235806/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/01/19/more-u-s-military-drones-are-crashing-than-ever-as-new-problems-emerge/ |archive-date=25 January 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 2 October 2017, U.S. Central Command stated that an MQ-9 had been shot down by Houthi air defense systems over [[Place:Sanaa|Sanaa]] in western Yemen the previous day.  The aircraft took off from Chabelley Airport in Djibouti, and was armed.<ref name=popularmechanics-20171002>{{cite news |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/news/a28469/us-reaper-drone-shot-down-over-yemen/ |title=U.S. Reaper Drone Shot Down Over Yemen |last=Mizokami |first=Kyle |newspaper=Popular Mechanics |date=2 October 2017 |access-date=3 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002213423/http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/news/a28469/us-reaper-drone-shot-down-over-yemen/ |archive-date=2 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=janes-20171005>{{cite news |url=http://www.janes.com/article/74639/us-reaper-shot-down-over-sanaa |title=US Reaper shot down over Sanaa |author=Jeremy Binnie and Neil Gibson |work=Jane's Defence Weekly |publisher=IHS |date=5 October 2017 |access-date=11 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011130727/http://www.janes.com/article/74639/us-reaper-shot-down-over-sanaa |archive-date=11 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="defensenews.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/flashpoints/2017/10/02/us-mq-9-drone-shot-down-in-yemen/ |title=US MQ-9 drone shot down in Yemen |first=Shawn |last=Snow |date=2 October 2017}}</ref>

On 18 September 2018, the USAF announced that an MQ-9 armed with an air-to-air missile successfully shot down a smaller target drone in November 2017. The drone was operated by the 432nd Wing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/09/19/mq-9-gets-first-air-air-kill-training-exercise-air-force-official-says.html |title=MQ-9 Gets First Air-to-Air Kill in Training Exercise, Air Force Official Says |last=Pawlyk |first=Oriana|date=19 September 2018 |website=Military.com |language=en |access-date=28 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506134843/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/09/19/mq-9-gets-first-air-air-kill-training-exercise-air-force-official-says.html |archive-date=6 May 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> While the destruction of a target drone is a routine USAF exercise, this event was the first instance of a Reaper destroying a small, maneuvering aerial target.

[[File:MQ-9 Reaper FARP (forward area refuelling point).jpg|thumb|left|MQ-9 Reaper at a FARP (forward area refueling point) in December 2022]]
On 6 June 2019, Houthis shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper over Yemen. According to United States Central Command, it was shot down by an SA-6 surface-to-air missile that was enabled with Iranian assistance.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/06/16/centcom-mq-9-reaper-shot-down-over-yemen-last-week/ |title=CENTCOM: MQ-9 Reaper shot down over Yemen last week |work=Military Times|date=15 June 2019}}</ref> On 21 August 2019, another unarmed MQ-9 was shot down by Houthis over Dhamar, Yemen,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-yemen-security-usa-drone-idUSKCN1VB180|title=U.S. drone shot down over Yemen: officials|publisher=Reuters|date=21 August 2019}}</ref> by a Yemini-made Fater-1 missile, an improved SA-6.<ref name=janes-20190828>{{cite news |url=https://www.janes.com/article/90697/yemeni-rebels-unveil-new-sam |title=Yemeni rebels unveil 'new' SAM |last=Binnie |first=Jeremy |work=Jane's Defence Weekly |publisher=IHS |date=28 August 2019}}</ref>

On 23 November 2019, a US MQ-9 Reaper was shot down by a Pantsir system operated by the Libyan National Army or Wagner Group over [[Place:Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli, Libya]]. According to journalist David Cenciotti, the drone was lost after being jammed by Russian Wagner militias working in support of the Libyan National Army.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cenciotti |first1=David |title=U.S. Drone Lost Over Tripoli The Day After Italy Lost a Predator B in Libya: New Jamming Capability Deployed? |url=https://theaviationist.com/2019/11/23/u-s-drone-lost-over-tripoli-the-day-after-italy-lost-a-predator-b-in-libya-new-jamming-capability-deployed/ |publisher=The Aviationist |date=23 November 2019}}</ref>

On 3 January 2020, a US MQ-9 missile strike at Baghdad International Airport killed Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Iranian Quds Force, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/world/middleeast/qassem-soleimani-iraq-iran-attack.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103015005/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/02/world/middleeast/qassem-soleimani-iraq-iran-attack.html |archive-date=3 January 2020 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=U.S. Strike in Iraq Kills Qassim Suleimani, Commander of Iranian Forces|last1=Crowley|first1=Michael|date=2 January 2020|work=The New York Times|last2=Hassan|first2=Falih|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|last3=Schmitt|first3=Eric}}</ref>

On 18 August 2020, US Department of Defense announced that two US MQ-9 Reapers had crashed in a mid-air collision over Syria.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sofrep.com/news/2-us-mq-9-reaper-drones-collide-over-syria/|title= 2 US MQ-9 Reaper drones collide over Syria|date= 20 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/35775/two-mq-9-reaper-drones-collide-over-syria-after-days-of-sightings-from-those-on-the-ground|title=Two MQ-9 Reaper Drones Collide Over Syria After Days Of Sightings From Those on the Ground|work=The Drive|date=18 August 2020}}</ref> However, claims from local media said that at least one drone might have been shot down by Syrian Opposition rebel fighters or Turkish forces.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2020/08/19/turkish-military-shot-down-at-least-one-us-air-force-uav-over-idlib/ |title=Turkish military shot down at least one US Air Force UAV over Idlib |work=Bulgarian Military |date=19 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/08/18/two-us-drones-collide-and-crash-over-idlib-syria-defense-official-says/ |title=Two US drones collide and crash over Idlib, Syria, defense official says |work=Military Times |date=18 August 2020}}</ref>

In April 2021, U.S. and Polish militaries agreed on a long-negotiated plan to increase the American presence in Poland with two units of MQ-9 Reapers deployed by the USAF.<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 August 2020|title=US, Poland Finish Negotiations on Troop Increase, Drones|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/us-poland-end-negotiations-on-troop-increase-drones/|access-date=28 April 2021|website=Air Force Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref>

On 14 July 2022, an MQ-9 Reaper operated by the 25th Attack Group crashed during a training mission in Romania. The MQ-9 drones have been deployed to the {{wipe|Romanian Air Force}} 71st Air Base in 2021, starting their operational flights on 1 February 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/31592-usaf-reaper-drone-crash-romania|title=USAF MQ-9 Reaper drone crashes in Romania|author=Clement Charpentreau|work=AeroTime Hub|date=14 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usafe.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2510100/mq-9-begins-flying-missions-from-romania/|title=MQ-9 begins flying missions from Romania|author=Bethany Karlberg|date=16 February 2021|work=United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa}}</ref>

{{Listen
| image        = [[File:Video Camera Icon.png|50px]]
| help         = no
| filename     = US Air Force MQ-9 camera footage Russian Su-27 Black Sea intercept.webm
| title        = U.S. Air Force MQ-9 intercepted by Russian Su-27 over the Black Sea
}}
On 14 March 2023, one of two intercepting Russian [[Engineering:Sukhoi Su-27|Su-27]] fighters collided with an MQ-9 Reaper flying in international airspace over the Black Sea. US Air Force Gen. James Hecker, commander of the United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa, stated, "At approximately 7:03 am (CET), one of the Russian Su-27 aircraft struck the propeller of the MQ-9, causing U.S. forces to have to bring the MQ-9 down in international waters. Several times before the collision, the Su-27s [[Engineering:Fuel dumping|dumped fuel]] on and flew in front of the MQ-9 in a reckless, environmentally unsound and unprofessional manner. This incident demonstrates a lack of competence in addition to being unsafe and unprofessional."<ref>{{cite web |last=Liebermann |first=Oren |date=March 15, 2023 |title=Russian fighter jet forces down US drone over Black Sea after intercept |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/14/politics/russian-jet-us-drone-black-sea/index.html |website=CNN}}</ref> Russia says it will attempt to retrieve the drone.<ref name= russiaRetrieval>(15 Mar 2023) [https://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-try-retrieve-remains-141035233.html "Russia says it will try to retrieve remains of U.S. drone"]. Reuters</ref> The US government claimed that it was prepared for such an outcome. John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, said that "their ability to exploit useful intelligence will be highly minimised". While the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley said that there were "mitigating measures" to ensure that Russia obtained no access to valuable tech. He also confirmed that the US would look for the drone as well; however, the water in which it crashed was {{convert|4000|to|5000|ft|m}} deep. Brigadier General Pat Ryder claimed that drone was "unflyable and uncontrollable" and it likely damaged the Su-27 during the collision.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Antoinette Radford |author2=Jonathan Beale |date=16 March 2023 |title=US drone downing: Russia will try to retrieve remnants of drone |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64961958 |access-date=16 March 2023 |website=BBC}}</ref> The US has since released footage over the Black Sea.<ref>{{cite web |date=16 March 2023 |title=US Air Force MQ-9 Camera Footage: Russian Su-27 Black Sea Collision |url=https://www.voanews.com/amp/us-air-force-mq-9-camera-footage-russian-su-27-black-sea-collision/7007782.html |access-date=16 March 2023 |website=VOA News}}</ref>

On 23 July 2023, a Russian fighter aircraft intercepted a US Air Force MQ-9 over Syria and deployed flares in front of it, damaging the propeller. The drone returned to base safely. It was the third near-collision of an MQ-9 with Russian aircraft over Syria that month, with previous incidents on 5 July and 6 July.<ref>{{Cite web|website=NBC news|date= 25 July 2023| first1= Courtney| last1= Kube |first2= Patrick |last2= Smith | title= Russian jet harasses US drone over Syria for the third time this month |url= https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russian-jet-harasses-armed-us-drone-syria-third-time-month-rcna96161}}</ref>

On 8 November 2023, Houthi rebels in Yemen shot down a US Air Force MQ-9 over the Red Sea amid the attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=U.S. MQ-9 Reaper Shot Down Over Red Sea |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/u-s-mq-9-drone-shot-down-by-iranian-backed-houthis-in-yemen-reports |website=The War Zone |publisher=The Drive |access-date=9 November 2023}}</ref>

===NASA===
{{Multiple image
|title   = NASA Predator B variants
|width   = 195
|image1  = Altair UAV.jpg
|caption1= NASA's Predator B, Altair variant
|image2  = Ikhana.jpg
|caption2= NASA's Predator B, Ikhana variant
}}
The [[Organization:National Aeronautics and Space Administration|National Aeronautics and Space Administration]] (NASA) initially expressed interest in a production version of the B-002 turbofan-powered variant,<ref name="vector"/> but instead leased an unarmed Reaper variant, which carries the GA-ASI company name "Altair".  Altair is one of the first three "Predator-B" airframes. The other two airframes, known as "Predator-B 001" and "Predator-B 002", had a maximum gross weight of {{convert|7500|lb}}.<ref name=NASAfactsheet/>

The Altair differs in that it has an {{convert|86|ft|m|adj=on}} wingspan ({{convert|20|ft|m|abbr=on}} greater than early and current MQ-9s). The Altair has enhanced avionics systems to better enable flights in FAA-controlled civil airspace and demonstrate "over-the-horizon" command and control capability from a ground station. These aircraft are used by NASA's Earth Science Enterprise as part of the [[Engineering:NASA ERAST Program|NASA ERAST Program]] to perform on-location science missions.<ref name=NASAfactsheet>{{cite web |title=NASA ERAST Fact Sheet |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-020-DFRC.html |publisher=NASA |access-date=27 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307012453/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-020-DFRC.html |archive-date=7 March 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2006, NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center obtained an MQ-9 (and mobile ground control station), named ''Ikhana'', for the Suborbital Science Program within the Science Mission Directorate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-097-DFRC.html |title=Ikhana Unmanned Science and Research Aircraft System |publisher=NASA |date=15 August 2007 |access-date=27 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028111055/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-097-DFRC.html |archive-date=28 October 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2007, Ikhana was used to survey the Southern California wildfires, supporting firefighter deployments based upon the highest need. The California Office of Emergency Services requested NASA support for the Esperanza Fire, and the General Atomics Altair was launched less than 24 hours later on a 16-hour mission to map the fire's perimeter. The fire mapping research is a joint project with NASA and the US Forest Service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ic.arc.nasa.gov/story.php?id=388&sec= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070717193852/http://ic.arc.nasa.gov/news/story.php?id=388 |title=Emergency UAV Mission to Esperanza Fire |publisher=NASA |date=November 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 July 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/NewsReleases/2006/06-45.html |title=NASA Supports UAS Fire Mapping Efforts on California Fire |publisher=NASA |date=1 October 2009 |access-date=26 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124115715/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/NewsReleases/2006/06-45.html |archive-date=24 November 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The NASA Ikhana was used to survey the descent of the [[Engineering:Orion (spacecraft)|Orion]] Exploration Flight Test 1 (EFT-1) module on its first test mission 5 December 2014. The aircraft loitered at {{convert|27000|ft|m|abbr=on}}, used its IR camera to detect the capsule, then switched to the optical camera to observe its descent through parachute deployment and landing in the Pacific Ocean.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/nasa-ikhana-uav-to-monitor-orion-test-module39s-descent-406796/ NASA Ikhana UAV to monitor Orion test module's descent] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208191350/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/nasa-ikhana-uav-to-monitor-orion-test-module39s-descent-406796/ |date=8 December 2014}} – Flightglobal.com, 5 December 2014</ref>

===U.S. Homeland Security===
{{multiple image
 |title= U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Predator B
 |perrow= 2
 |width1= 162
 |image1= MQ-9 Reaper CBP.jpg
 |caption1= CBP's Predator B
 |width2= 200
 |image2= MQ-9 Guardian.jpg
 |caption2= CBP's Predator B, Guardian variant
 |width3= 370
 |image3= CPB UAS Sample Surveillance Video 02282008 .theora.ogv
 |caption3= A [[:File:CPB UAS Sample Surveillance Video 02282008 .theora.ogv|CBP Predator B directs border agents towards a migrant group]] crossing the US–Mexico border using thermal video, circa 2008
}}

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operated nine MQ-9s in August 2012.  Two were based in North Dakota at {{wipe|Grand Forks Air Force Base}}, four were based in Arizona, at Fort Huachuca and one was based at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas.<ref name="Guardian B">{{cite web |title=Guardian UAS Maritime Variant Predator B |url=http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/marine/guardian_b.ctt/guardian_b.pdf |publisher=US Customs and Border Patrol |access-date=3 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023052739/http://cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/marine/guardian_b.ctt/guardian_b.pdf |archive-date=23 October 2011 }}</ref> These aircraft were equipped with GA-ASI's Lynx synthetic aperture radar and Raytheon's MTS-B electro-optical infrared sensors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/air_marine/uas_program/uasoverview.xml |title=CBP UAS Overview |access-date=7 February 2009 |date=6 February 2009 |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016232528/http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/air_marine/uas_program/uasoverview.xml |archive-date=16 October 2009 }}</ref>

The CBP also had two maritime MQ-9s, called Guardians, based at {{wipe|Cape Canaveral Air Force Station}}, Florida, and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas.<ref name="CPB UAS">{{cite web |title=Guardian UAS Persistent Maritime Surveillance |url=http://www.unols.org/meetings/2011/201106sco/GuardianIDGA_UAV_SummitBrief_13Apr2011.pdf |publisher=CBP/USCG UAS Joint Program Office |access-date=5 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301005915/http://www.unols.org/meetings/2011/201106sco/GuardianIDGA_UAV_SummitBrief_13Apr2011.pdf |archive-date=1 March 2013 }}</ref> The Guardians were equipped with the SeaVue marine search radar; their electro-optical [[Physics:Infrared|infrared]] sensor was optimized for maritime operations.<ref name="Guardian B" /> The CBP operates one MQ-9 Guardian jointly with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) out of land-based stations in Florida and Texas.<ref name="CG">{{cite news |url=http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20130810/NEWS03/308100005/UAV-success-Coast-Guard-major-drug-bust|title=UAV a success for Coast Guard in major drug bust|author1=Rico, Antonieta |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813121437/http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20130810/NEWS03/308100005/UAV-success-Coast-Guard-major-drug-bust |archive-date=13 August 2013 |work=Military Times|date=10 August 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The United States Department of Homeland Security initially ordered one Predator B for border protection duty, referred to as MQ-9 CBP-101. It began operations 4 October 2005 and crashed in the Arizona desert on 25 April 2006.  The US's NTSB determined that the crash's most likely cause was pilot error by the ground-based pilot, inadvertently shutting down the UAV's engine by failing to follow the [[Medicine:Checklist|checklist]].<ref name="CHI06MA121">{{cite web |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/aviationquery/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20060509X00531&ntsbno=CHI06MA121&akey=1 |title=CHI06MA121 |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |access-date=27 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405234402/https://www.ntsb.gov/aviationquery/brief2.aspx?ev_id=20060509X00531&ntsbno=CHI06MA121&akey=1 |archive-date=5 April 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> During its operational period, the aircraft flew 959 hours on patrol and played a role in 2,309 arrests. It also contributed to the seizure of four vehicles and {{convert|8267|lb}} of marijuana.<ref name="dhs">{{cite web |url=http://www.faa.gov/news/conferences_events/new_tech_2007/presentations/media/day2/pitts.ppt |title=National Strategy for Homeland Security |access-date=26 September 2010 |format=PPT |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112235700/http://www.faa.gov/news/conferences_events/new_tech_2007/presentations/media/day2/pitts.ppt |archive-date=12 January 2012 }}</ref>

A second Predator B, called "CBP-104" (initially referred to as "CBP-102"), was delivered in September 2006 and commenced limited border protection operations on 18 October 2006. The president's FY2006 emergency supplemental budget request added $45&nbsp;million for the program and the FY2007 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill added an additional $20&nbsp;million. In October 2006, GA-ASI announced a $33.9&nbsp;million contract to supply two more Predator B systems by the fall 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/42310-1.html |title=Predator to be on the prowl again |access-date=31 October 2006 |author=Alice Lipowicz |date=17 October 2006 |work=Government Computer News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061103103005/http://www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/42310-1.html |archive-date=3 November 2006 }}</ref> On 16 February 2009, the program was further expanded to include patrols of the Canada–US border.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/u-s-launches-unmanned-aerial-drones-to-monitor-manitoba-border-1.775731 |title=U.S. launches unmanned aerial drones to monitor Manitoba border |access-date=22 June 2009 |date=16 February 2009 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503154817/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/u-s-launches-unmanned-aerial-drones-to-monitor-manitoba-border-1.775731 |archive-date=3 May 2009 }}</ref>

On 14 October 2013, an MQ-9 began patrolling the Manitoba portion of the U.S.-Canada border. The UAV is based at {{wipe|Grand Forks Air Force Base}} and will watch the {{convert|400|km|mi|abbr=on}}-long border. The drone will not carry weapons and needs permission to enter Canadian airspace. U.S. authorities fear that drug smugglers, migrants, and terrorists may exploit the long border. The use of the unmanned surveillance aircraft is an enhancement of the partnership between U.S. and Canadian agencies.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}

In January 2014, Customs and Border Protection grounded its UAVs temporarily after an unmanned aircraft was ditched off the coast of California by the operator due to a mechanical failure on 27 January 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-28/customs-drone-fleet-grounded-after-predator-goes-down.html |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |title=Pilots Say Go Slow on Commercial Drones After Ditching |access-date=7 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327163027/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-01-28/customs-drone-fleet-grounded-after-predator-goes-down.html |archive-date=27 March 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 29 May 2020, during the George Floyd protests, CBP flew an unarmed Predator B drone above Minneapolis to watch protesters. The agency said it was at the request of federal law enforcement in Minneapolis.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stanley |first1=Greg |title=Few answers on who asked feds to circle a Predator surveillance drone over Minneapolis protests |url=https://www.startribune.com/which-agency-wanted-drone-flown-over-minneapolis-protests/571051962/?refresh=true |access-date=18 October 2020 |work=Star Tribune |date=5 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Heilweil |first1=Rebecca |title=Members of Congress want to know more about law enforcement's surveillance of protesters |url=https://www.vox.com/recode/2020/5/29/21274828/drone-minneapolis-protests-predator-surveillance-police |access-date=18 October 2020 |work=Vox |date=10 June 2020}}</ref>

=== U.S. Marine Corps ===
Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 (VMU-1) began operations with the MQ-9 on a contractor-owned, contractor-operated basis in 2018, and accepted delivery of the Marine Corps' first two MQ-9A air frames<ref>{{Cite web |title=3rd MAW procures Marine Corps' first MQ-9A "Reaper" |url=https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2766284/3rd-maw-procures-marine-corps-first-mq-9a-reaper/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marines.mil%2FNews%2FNews-Display%2FArticle%2F2766284%2F3rd-maw-procures-marine-corps-first-mq-9a-reaper%2F |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=United States Marine Corps Flagship |language=en-US}}</ref> in September 2021. Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3), based out of MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI, received their first two MQ-9A air frames in April 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |title=VMU-3 Receives its first two MQ-9As |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7765942/vmu-3-receives-its-first-two-mq-9as |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=DVIDS |language=en}}</ref> and reached initial operational capability (IOC) ahead of schedule in August 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lariosa |first=Aaron-Matthew |date=August 8, 2023 |title=First Marine Corps MQ-9A Reaper Squadron Now Operational |work=United States Naval Institute |url=https://news.usni.org/2023/08/08/first-marine-corps-mq-9a-reaper-squadron-now-operational |access-date=September 3, 2023}}</ref> Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 (VMU-2) was re-designated as VMUT-2 in July 2023. VMUT-2 will serve as the Fleet Replacement Squadron and training squadron for the Marine Corps' UAS officers and enlisted sensor operators.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VMUT-2 History |url=https://www.mag14.marines.mil/Units/VMUT-2/About/ |access-date=2023-09-03 |website=www.mag14.marines.mil}}</ref>

===Other users===
====Belgium====
In January 2018, the Belgian Ministry of Defence reportedly decided on the MQ-9 to fulfill its medium-altitude long-range UAV requirement. Ministry officials stated that a [[Finance:Request for information|request for information]] had been sent to potential suppliers of the system, and that they had received responses from all of them.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Huw |title=Belgium eyes Predator B derivative for MALE UAS requirement |url=http://www.janes.com/article/77484/ |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=2 February 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180202102855/http://www.janes.com/article/77484/belgium-eyes-predator-b-derivative-for-male-uas-requirement |archive-date=2 February 2018 |location=London |date=31 January 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2018, Belgium confirmed its selection of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian variant, adding that it would be considered a "reconnaissance" asset, suggesting it will not be used to carry weapons.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fiorenza |first1=Nicholas |title=Belgium chooses F-35, invests in armoured vehicles and MALE UAS |url=https://www.janes.com/article/84054/belgium-chooses-f-35-invests-in-armoured-vehicles-and-male-uas |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025221717/https://www.janes.com/article/84054/belgium-chooses-f-35-invests-in-armoured-vehicles-and-male-uas |archive-date=25 October 2018 |location=London |date=25 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Perry |first1=Dominic |title=Belgium lines up Predator acquisition |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/belgium-lines-up-predator-acquisition-453022/ |website=FlightGlobal |access-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181029083335/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/belgium-lines-up-predator-acquisition-453022/ |archive-date=29 October 2018 |location=London |date=26 October 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2019, the US Department of State approved the sale of four MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAVs to Belgium for $600&nbsp;million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=600000000|start_year=2019}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}), pending approval by US Congress.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Insinna |first1=Valerie |title=US State Department approves sale of Sky Guardian drones to Belgium |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2019/03/26/state-department-oks-sale-of-sky-guardian-drones-to-belgium/ |website=Defense News |access-date=26 March 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190326203600/https://www.defensenews.com/air/2019/03/26/state-department-oks-sale-of-sky-guardian-drones-to-belgium/ |archive-date=26 March 2019 |location=Washington |date=26 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Belgium – MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) |url=https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/belgium-mq-9b-skyguardian-remotely-piloted-aircraft-rpa |publisher=Defense Security Cooperation Agency |access-date=26 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326203648/https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/belgium-mq-9b-skyguardian-remotely-piloted-aircraft-rpa |archive-date=26 March 2019 |location=Washington |date=26 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2022, work began on adapting the Florennes Air Base to host, fly and maintain the planes.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}

====Dominican Republic====
The Predator UAV "Guardian" has been used by the Dominican Republic, under U.S. supervision and funding, against drug trafficking from mid-2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dominican authorities unleash a US Predator on drug trafficking (Update) |url=http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/technology/2012/7/16/44386/Dominican-authorities-unleash-a-US-Predator-on-drug-trafficking |newspaper=Dominican Today |date=16 July 2012 |access-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209011637/http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/technology/2012/7/16/44386/Dominican-authorities-unleash-a-US-Predator-on-drug-trafficking |archive-date=9 December 2012 }}</ref>

====France====
On 31 May 2013, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed the order of two MQ-9 Reapers, to be delivered by the end of 2013. It was chosen to replace the EADS Harfang and was picked over the Israeli [[Engineering:IAI Eitan|Heron TP]].<ref>[http://defense-update.com/20130531_france_opts_for_the_reaper.html France Opts for U.S. Reapers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610133828/http://defense-update.com/20130531_france_opts_for_the_reaper.html |date=10 June 2013}} – Defense-Update.com.com, 31 May 2013</ref> On 27 June 2013, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to France for 16 unarmed MQ-9s, associated equipment, ground control hardware, and support, worth up to $1.5&nbsp;billion total.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pentagon-notifies-congress-of-potential-french-mq-9-reaper-buy-387801/ "Pentagon notifies Congress of potential French MQ-9 Reaper buy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704073519/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pentagon-notifies-congress-of-potential-french-mq-9-reaper-buy-387801/ |date=4 July 2013}}. Flightglobal.com, 28 June 2013</ref> On 26 August 2013, France and the US Department of Defense concluded the deal for 16 Reapers and 8 ground control stations, with French operators beginning training.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/france-concludes-deal-for-16-reapers-389845/ France concludes deal for 16 Reapers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827214654/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/france-concludes-deal-for-16-reapers-389845/ |date=27 August 2013}} – Flightglobal.com, 26 August 2013</ref>

On 24 September 2013, France's first pair of MQ-9 pilots conducted a two-hour training sortie at {{wipe|Holloman Air Force Base}}, New Mexico.  Both French pilots had prior UAV experience and went through a five-week ground-based training course and 5 hours on a flight simulator before the first flight. Two additional crews were also receiving instruction at the facility. General Atomics is due to deliver two Reapers and one ground control station to the {{wipe|French Air Force}} by the end of 2013.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-air-force-pilots-complete-first-reaper-training-flight-391637/ French air force pilots complete first Reaper training flight] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011104907/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-air-force-pilots-complete-first-reaper-training-flight-391637/ |date=11 October 2013}} – Flightglobal.com, 11 October 2013</ref> On 26 November 2013, France declared that six pilots in three teams were operational, following 100 hours on flight simulators and 4 flights. French MQ-9s were first put into action in January 2014 at Niamey Air Base in Niger for border reconnaissance in the [[Place:Sahel|Sahel]] desert.<ref>[French Pilots Qualified on General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper & send on Sahel surveillance mission soon] – Airrecognition.com, 29 November 2013</ref>

On 16 January 2014, France's first MQ-9 flight occurred from Niger. The first two Reapers to enter French service are designated Block 1 and use U.S. equipment; further orders are to be modified with European payloads such as sensors and datalinks.<ref>[https://archive.today/20140117163852/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140116/DEFREG01/301160030/French-AF-Conducts-First-Reaper-Flight?odyssey=nav%7Chead French AF Conducts First Reaper Flight] – Defensenews.com, 16 January 2014</ref> On 31 March 2014, French Air Force Reapers accumulated 500 flight hours in support of Operation Serval.<ref>[http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/french-reaper-reaches-500-mali-flight-hours/ French Reaper reaches 500 Mali flight hours] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427191659/http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/french-reaper-reaches-500-mali-flight-hours/ |date=27 April 2014}} – Shephardmedia.com, 24 April 2014</ref> In July 2014, a French MQ-9 helped to locate the wreckage of Air Algérie Flight 5017, which had crashed in Mali.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/air-algerie-flight-ah5017-crash-no-survivors-french-president-says-1.2717718 |title=Air Algerie Flight AH5017 crash: Plane 'disintegrated,' French officials say |publisher=CBC News |date=25 July 2014 |access-date=27 November 2015}}</ref>

====Germany====
Germany made a request to purchase five Reapers and four ground control stations, plus related support material and training. The request, being made through the Foreign Military Sales process, was presented to Congress through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency on 1 August 2008 and is valued at US$205&nbsp;million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=205000000|start_year=2008}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}).<ref name=fg1>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/08/05/310481/germany-italy-make-initial-requests-for-mq-9-reaper.html |author=Michael Fishpool |title=Germany, Italy make initial requests for MQ-9 Reaper |work=FlightGlobal |date=5 August 2008 |access-date=7 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080815042809/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/08/05/310481/germany-italy-make-initial-requests-for-mq-9-reaper.html |archive-date=15 August 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2008/Germany_08-59.pdf |title=Germany – (5) MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Aircraft |publisher=DSCA |date=1 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209103430/http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2008/Germany_08-59.pdf |archive-date=9 December 2008 }}</ref> However, Germany did not go through with this procurement for the time being and decided to lease the [[Engineering:IAI Heron|IAI Heron]] offered by IAI and Rheinmetall instead, initially for the duration of one year, representing a stop-gap measure before a long-term decision on a Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) system is being made.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/en/rheinmetall_defence/index.php |title=Heron-Aufklärungsdrohnen für die Bundeswehr |publisher=Rheinmetall Defence |date=28 October 2009 |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920002739/http://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/en/rheinmetall_defence/index.php |archive-date=20 September 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/warum-heron-1-doch-gewann;2375043 |title=Warum 'Heron 1' doch gewann |work=Handelsblatt |date=21 June 2009 |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624012106/http://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/warum-heron-1-doch-gewann;2375043 |archive-date=24 June 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flugrevue.de/de/militaer/streitkraft-operations/schwierige-wahl-im-saateg-wettbewerb.7696.htm |title=Schwierige Wahl im SAATEG-Wettbewerb |work=Flugrevue.de |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004044032/http://www.flugrevue.de/de/militaer/streitkraft-operations/schwierige-wahl-im-saateg-wettbewerb.7696.htm |archive-date=4 October 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/10/29/334168/germany-selects-iais-heron-uav-for-afghanistan-mission.html |title=Germany selects IAI's Heron UAV for Afghanistan mission |work=FlightGlobal |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102112134/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/10/29/334168/germany-selects-iais-heron-uav-for-afghanistan-mission.html |archive-date=2 November 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Greece ====
On 21 April 2022, a well-known Greek military journalist revealed in an interview that the {{wipe|Hellenic Air Force}} is discussing the purchase of three MQ-9 UCAVs along with the Israeli [[Engineering:IAI Eitan|Heron TPs]]. Given that the {{wipe|US Air Force}} has long been operating MQ-9s from Larissa Air Base, Greece has some past experience with it from joint exercises.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ptisidiastima.com/breaking-greece-to-buy-3-mq9-from-usa/|title=ΕΚΤΑΚΤΟ: Αγορά 3 αμερικανικών ΜQ-9 Predator από την ΠΑ, αποκαλύπτει ο Β. Νέδος στην "Κ"| website=ptisidiastima.com|date=22 April 2022 |language=el}}</ref> On 5 July 2022, the Hellenic Parliament approved the acquisition of 3 MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs along with two ground stations.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Savvas Vlassis |title=Η Βουλή ενέκρινε 5 εξοπλιστικά – MQ-9B SeaGuardian και AAV7A1 συζητήθηκαν έντονα |url=https://doureios.com/i-vouli-enekrine-5-exoplistika-mq-9b-seaguardian-kai-aav7a1-syzitithikan-entona/ |access-date=5 July 2022 |publisher=doureios.com |language=Greek}}</ref> On 28 July 2022, the Greek Minister for National Defence, Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, confirmed the acquisition of the three UAVs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mod.mil.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3550-%CE%95%CE%9D%CE%94%CE%95%CE%A7%CE%9F%CE%9C%CE%95%CE%9D%CE%9F-%CE%A0%CE%A1%CE%9F%CE%9C%CE%97%CE%98%CE%95%CE%99%CE%91%CE%A3-%CE%9C%CE%97-%CE%95%CE%A0%CE%91%CE%9D%CE%94%CE%A1%CE%A9%CE%9C%CE%95%CE%9D%CE%A9%CE%9D-%CE%91%CE%A6_signed.pdf |title=Answer to Question 5545/01-06-2022 of the Hellenic Parliament |date=26 July 2022 |location=Athens |publisher=Ministry of National Defence (Greece) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920171420/https://www.mod.mil.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3550-%CE%95%CE%9D%CE%94%CE%95%CE%A7%CE%9F%CE%9C%CE%95%CE%9D%CE%9F-%CE%A0%CE%A1%CE%9F%CE%9C%CE%97%CE%98%CE%95%CE%99%CE%91%CE%A3-%CE%9C%CE%97-%CE%95%CE%A0%CE%91%CE%9D%CE%94%CE%A1%CE%A9%CE%9C%CE%95%CE%9D%CE%A9%CE%9D-%CE%91%CE%A6_signed.pdf |archive-date=20 September 2022 |access-date=30 September 2022 |language=el}}</ref>

====India====
In June 2017, the US State Department approved the sale of 22 drones to India, costing around $2–3&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/us-approves-sale-of-22-guardian-drones-to-india/articleshow/59274194.cms |title=Modi-Trump meet: 'US approves sale of 22 Guardian drones to India' |newspaper= The Times of India |date=23 June 2017 |access-date=24 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623170639/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/us-approves-sale-of-22-guardian-drones-to-india/articleshow/59274194.cms |archive-date=23 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> As of February 2020, a deal to purchase 30 drones with 10 drones for each of the three Indian armed services, was expected to be signed by the end of the fiscal year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.defencenews.in/article/Long-wait-over!-Indian-Armed-forces-to-get-high-tech-US-Armed-Drones-equipped-with-missiles-809419 |title=Long wait over! Indian Armed forces to get high-tech US Armed Drones equipped with missiles |access-date=11 March 2020 |archive-date=19 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519194112/https://www.defencenews.in/article/Long-wait-over!-Indian-Armed-forces-to-get-high-tech-US-Armed-Drones-equipped-with-missiles-809419 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28206/India_Rejects_MQ_9_Purchase_Over_Budget_Constraints__Report |title = India Rejects MQ-9 Purchase over Budget Constraints: Report}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 June 2021 |title=Indian Navy approaches defence ministry for Predator drone acquisition |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-navy-approaches-defence-ministry-for-predator-drone-acquisition-101622711168674.html |access-date=15 July 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> In November 2020, the Indian Navy began operating two leased MQ-9B SeaGuardians. The lease agreement was valid for one year and has been extended subsequently.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |date=21 August 2022 |title=India in advanced stage talks with US to procure MQ-9B drones for LAC vigil |url=https://m.rediff.com/news/report/india-in-advanced-stage-talks-with-us-to-procure-mq-9b-drones-for-lac-vigil/20220821.htm |access-date=21 August 2022 |website=Refiff.com |language=en}}</ref> The drones are deployed at the Naval Air Station Rajali located in Tamil Nadu and had logged close to 3,000 hours covering over 14 million square miles by August 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 November 2020 |title=India leases hi-tech US naval drones to boost surveillance, intel |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-leases-hi-tech-us-naval-drones-to-boost-surveillance-intel/story-NeW0gNA1HYJ44V3m9C5qAL.html |access-date=25 November 2020 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto2"/> In February 2022, it was reported that Indian Navy had put the deal on the back burner and was instead looking at more indigenous options from the DRDO as well as upgrading its current fleet of [[Engineering:IAI Heron|IAI Heron]] drones.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Shishir |title=Plan to buy Predator drones put on hold |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/plan-to-buy-predator-drones-put-on-hold-101645565612604.html |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=23 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref> On 27 February 2022, PTI reported that the procurement for the 30 armed Predator B drones – 10 each for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force is in the advanced stage and disputed earlier reports of the deal being put on the back burner with India reportedly providing "good feedback" on the SeaGuardians already on lease.<ref>{{cite news |last1=of India |first1=Press trust |title=India-US Deal For 30 Armed Predator Drones at Advanced Stages: Report |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-us-deal-for-30-armed-predator-drones-at-advanced-stages-report-2792153 |access-date=27 February 2022 |work=NDTV News |date=27 February 2022}}</ref> On 15 June 2023, Reuters reported that the Indian side has approved the purchase of 31 drones worth slightly over $3 billion.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kaushik |first=Krishn |date=2023-06-15 |title=India approves procurement of U.S. MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/india-approves-procurement-us-mq-9b-seaguardian-drones-sources-2023-06-15/ |access-date=2023-06-15}}</ref>  The formal announcement of the deal is expected during Modi's visit to the U.S. later in the month.<ref>{{Cite web |title=India approves $3 billion deal to procure US predator drones: Report |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-approves-3-billion-deal-to-procure-us-predator-drones-report-604828 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=WION |language=en-us}}</ref>

====Italy====
On 1 August 2008, Italy submitted a FMS request through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency for four aircraft, four ground stations and five years of maintenance support, all valued at US$330&nbsp;million.<ref name=fg1/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2008/Italy_08-60.pdf |title=Italy – (4) MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Aircraft |publisher=DSCA |date=1 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209103442/http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2008/Italy_08-60.pdf |archive-date=9 December 2008 }}</ref> Italy ordered two more aircraft in November 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=1194106741 |title=Italy Might Reap Two More MQ-9 UAVs |work=SatNews.com |date=24 November 2009 |access-date=11 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716203022/http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=1194106741 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 May 2012, it was reported that the U.S. planned to sell kits to arm Italy's six Reapers with Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Entous |first=Adam |title=U.S. Plans to Arm Italy's Drones |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303395604577432323658176792 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=7 July 2012 |date=29 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207013457/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303395604577432323658176792 |archive-date=7 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> However Gen. Alberto Rosso has expressed frustration at American delays in integrating additional weapons onto the platform and suggested that Italy may have to seek UAS alternatives.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://defense-update.com/20130513_european-air-forces-seek-a-common-weaponized-uas.html |title=European Air Forces Seek a Common Weaponized UAS |author=i-HLS |date=13 May 2013 |access-date=6 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206223632/http://defense-update.com/20130513_european-air-forces-seek-a-common-weaponized-uas.html |archive-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Italian Reapers were used:
* in Libya, since 10 August 2011,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italy-flies-first-predator-b-sortie-over-libya-360732/ |title=Italy flies first Predator B sortie over Libya |author=Luca Peruzzi |access-date=6 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206232225/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italy-flies-first-predator-b-sortie-over-libya-360732/ |archive-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> as part of its contribution to NATO's Operation Unified Protector (flew about 300 hours)
* in Kosovo, since 13 March 2012<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/News/Pagine/KosovobattesimodelvolodelPredator.aspx |title=Il portale dell'Aeronautica Militare – Kosovo: primo volo del Predator |access-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206223036/http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/News/Pagine/KosovobattesimodelvolodelPredator.aspx |archive-date=6 February 2015 }}</ref> inbound NATO KFOR "Joint Enterprise" operation
* on "Mare Nostrum" mission (Mediterranean sea, migrants search and rescue operation) by October 2013<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ansa.it/ansamed/en/news/sections/generalnews/2013/10/15/Immigration-Italy-launches-Mare-Nostrum-400-saved_9466386.html |title=Immigration: Italy launches Mare Nostrum, 400 more saved – General news – ANSAMed.it |date=15 October 2013 |access-date=6 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514144449/https://www.ansa.it/ansamed/en/news/sections/generalnews/2013/10/15/Immigration-Italy-launches-Mare-Nostrum-400-saved_9466386.html |archive-date=14 May 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* into Afghanistan theater by January 2014<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italian-predator-bs-start-afghan-duty-395035/ Italian Predator Bs start Afghan duty] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123074023/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italian-predator-bs-start-afghan-duty-395035/ |date=23 January 2014}} – Flightglobal.com, 20 January 2014</ref> (to replace Predator A+).

On 3 November 2015, the U.S. approved a deal covering weapons integration onto Italy's Reaper aircraft, which would make it the first country outside the UK to weaponize the drone.  The potential for increased contribution to NATO coalition operations, improved operational flexibility, and enhanced survivability for Italian forces prompted the request.<ref name="flightglobal4nov15">[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-authorises-weapons-upgrade-for-italian-reapers-418604/ US authorises weapons upgrade for Italian Reapers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227003623/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-authorises-weapons-upgrade-for-italian-reapers-418604/ |date=27 December 2015}} – Flightglobal.com, 4 November 2015</ref>

On 20 November 2019, an Italian Air Force MQ-9 was shot down by a Pantsir system operated by the Libyan National Army or Wagner Group, near the city of Tarhuna, Libya.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/russia-and-turkey-employ-thousands-of-syrian-mercenaries-to-fight-in-libya|title = Russia and Turkey employ thousands of Syrian mercenaries to fight in Libya|date = 12 September 2020}}</ref> The Libyan National Army claimed to have shot down the drone that, based on the initial reports, was thought to be a Turkish operated drone, supporting the opposed Government of National Accord. The Italian Defense confirmed the loss stating the cause of the crash is under investigation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://theaviationist.com/2019/11/20/italian-air-force-mq-9a-predator-b-drone-crashes-in-libya-images-surface-on-social-media/ |title = &#91;Updated&#93; Italian Air Force MQ-9A Predator B Drone Allegedly Shot Down in Libya. Images Surface on Social Media|date = 20 November 2019}}</ref>

====Netherlands====
On 19 June 2013, General Atomics and [[Company:Fokker Technologies|Fokker Technologies]] signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to offer the MQ-9 Reaper to the Dutch government to meet their need for a MALE UAV. The MOU recognizes that Fokker will assist in maintenance and support of the aircraft in the Netherlands if a deal goes through.<ref>[http://www.suasnews.com/2013/06/23403/ga-asi-and-fokker-team-to-offer-predator-b-to-the-netherlands-pas13/ GA-ASI and Fokker Team to Offer Predator B to the Netherlands PAS13] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031222202/http://www.suasnews.com/2013/06/23403/ga-asi-and-fokker-team-to-offer-predator-b-to-the-netherlands-pas13/ |date=31 October 2013}} – sUASNews.com, 19 June 2013</ref>

On 21 November 2013, the Dutch Minister of Defense announced that the {{wipe|Royal Netherlands Air Force}} (RNLAF) had selected the MQ-9 Reaper Block-V as its new MALE UAV. The new MALE UAV 306 squadron will be based at Leeuwarden Air Base. In July 2018, the Dutch government signed a Letter of Acceptance for the acquisition through the Foreign Military Sales process.<ref name="defensie.nl">[http://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2013/11/21/defensie-kiest-reaper-als-onbemand-vliegtuig/ Defensie kiest Reaper als onbemand vliegtuig] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903075755/http://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2013/11/21/defensie-kiest-reaper-als-onbemand-vliegtuig/ |date=3 September 2014}} – Ministerie van Defensie, 21 November 2013.</ref>

The Dutch MQ-9 is to have the Synthetic Aperture Radar with the Maritime Search option and also a special ground search radar with more range and electronic sensors to detect ground radar and signals. The RNLAF bought four ground stations (two at Homebase, two at forward operating base) and four MQ-9s Block-V. The aircraft are to reach full operational status in 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/luchtmacht/materieel/vliegtuigen-en-helikopters/mq-9-reaper | title=Royal Netherlands Air Force MQ-9 Reaper overview| date=30 May 2023}}</ref> Four more systems are planned.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/06/24/defensie-koopt-versneld-f-35s-en-mq-9-reapers | title=Defensie koopt versneld F-35's en MQ-9 Reapers - Nieuwsbericht - Defensie.nl | date=24 June 2022 }}</ref> The decision was also made to arm the Reapers.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/stemmingsuitslagen/detail?id=2022P08121&did=2022P08121 | title=Moties ingediend bij het tweeminutendebat Hoofdlijnen Defensiebeleid | date=20 April 2022 }}</ref>

====Spain====
On 6 August 2015, the Spanish Ministry of Defence announced it would buy four Reaper surveillance aircraft with two ground control stations for €25&nbsp;million ($27&nbsp;million) in 2016, costing €171&nbsp;million over five years.  General Atomics will partner with Spanish Company SENER to deliver unarmed versions to Spain, making it the fifth European country to order the Reaper.  In addition to selecting the Reaper, Spain is interested in the joint German-French-Italian project to develop a European MALE UAV.<ref>[http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/international/europe/2015/08/06/spain-buy-us-surveillance-drones/31231101/ Spain To Buy 4 US Surveillance Drones] – Defensenews.com, 6 August 2015</ref>

The Defense Department cleared the purchase on 6 October 2015.  Spain selected the Reaper over the Heron TP to perform homeland security, counter-insurgency, and counter-terrorism operations.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-clears-ga-asi-to-export-mq-9s-to-spain-417505/ US clears GA-ASI to export MQ-9s to Spain] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125065507/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-clears-ga-asi-to-export-mq-9s-to-spain-417505/ |date=25 November 2015}} – Flightglobal.com, 7 October 2015</ref> The Spanish government agreed to purchase the system on 30 October.<ref name="flightglobal4nov15"/> The Reaper was selected over the Heron TP mainly for commonality with NATO allies who also use the airframe.  Although Spain's immediate priority is for surveillance, they will eventually try to weaponize the platform.  The first two aircraft and first GCS is planned for delivery in 2017, with the third aircraft in 2018 when they achieve IOC, and the last in 2020 achieving full operational capability (FOC).<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/spain-reveals-plans-for-armed-mq-9-419317/ Spain reveals plans for armed MQ-9] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125074053/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/spain-reveals-plans-for-armed-mq-9-419317/ |date=25 November 2015}} – Flightglobal.com, 24 November 2015</ref>

====United Kingdom====
[[File:Reaper UAV Takes to the Skies of Southern Afghanistan MOD 45151418.jpg|thumb|A British MQ-9A Reaper operating over Afghanistan in 2009]]

On 27 September 2006, the U.S. Congress was notified by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency that the United Kingdom was seeking to purchase a pair of MQ-9A Reapers. They were initially operated by No. 39 Squadron from Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, later moving to RAF Waddington.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{wipe|Air Forces Monthly}}, December 2007 issue, p.6.</ref> A third MQ-9A was in the process of being purchased by the RAF in 2007.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> On 9 November 2007, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that its Reapers had begun operations in Afghanistan against the [[Religion:Taliban|Taliban]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7087910.stm |work=BBC News |title=Skynet military launch is delayed |date=9 November 2007 |access-date=13 May 2010 |first=Jonathan |last=Amos}}</ref> In April 2008, following the crash of one of the UK's two Reapers, British special forces were sent to recover sensitive material from the wreckage before it was blown up to prevent the enemy from obtaining it.<ref>{{cite news |title=How UK fights remote control war |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/uk/7439825.stm |access-date=5 April 2009 |work=BBC News |date=6 June 2008 |first=Gordon |last=Corera |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421192346/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/uk/7439825.stm |archive-date=21 April 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> By May 2011, five Reapers were in operation, with a further five on order.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.unmanned.co.uk/unmanned-vehicles-news/unmanned-aerial-vehicles-uav-news/royal-air-force-to-get-new-reaper-squadron/ |title=Royal Air Force to get new Reaper squadron |date=13 May 2011 |publisher=Unmanned |access-date=19 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523202249/http://www.unmanned.co.uk/unmanned-vehicles-news/unmanned-aerial-vehicles-uav-news/royal-air-force-to-get-new-reaper-squadron/ |archive-date=23 May 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The second RAF squadron to operate five Reapers is No. XIII Squadron, which was formally activated and commissioned on 26 October 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/08161A0C-E207-4A50-AE2D-0E43D8CDCF04/0/tlmmarch2012.pdf |title=MOD Top Level Messages – March 2012 |access-date=18 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816032612/http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/08161A0C-E207-4A50-AE2D-0E43D8CDCF04/0/tlmmarch2012.pdf |archive-date=16 August 2012}}</ref> No. 39 Squadron personnel were planned to gradually return to the UK in 2013 and in time both squadrons would each operate five Reapers from RAF Waddington.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defencemanagement.com/news_story.asp?id=21215 |access-date=23 October 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121081107/http://www.defencemanagement.com/news_story.asp?id=21215 |archive-date=21 January 2013 |title=UK Reaper force set to double |website=defencemanagement.com |date=19 March 2012}}</ref> In April 2013, XIII Squadron started full operations from RAF Waddington, exercising control over a complement of 10 Reapers, at that point all based in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-22320275 |title=Armed drones operated from RAF base in UK, says MoD |newspaper=BBC News |date=27 April 2013 |access-date=6 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428014420/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-22320275 |archive-date=28 April 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Five Reapers can provide 36 hours of combined surveillance coverage in Afghanistan with individual sorties lasting up to 16 hours. A further five vehicles increases this to 72 hours. In total, RAF Reapers flew 71,000 flight hours in Afghanistan, and dropped 510 guided weapons (compared to 497 for Harrier and Tornado).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/operation-herrick-afghanistan-aircraft-statistics  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115141550/https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/operation-herrick-afghanistan-aircraft-statistics |archive-date=15 January 2016 |url-status=live |title=Operation Herrick aircraft Official Statistics |publisher=UK Ministry of Defence |date=29 October 2015 |access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref><ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-ready-for-reaper-fleet-boost-confirms-expeditionary-394929/ RAF ready for Reaper fleet boost, confirms expeditionary plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201094326/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-ready-for-reaper-fleet-boost-confirms-expeditionary-394929/ |date=1 February 2014}} – Flightglobal.com, 16 January 2014</ref>

In April 2013, it was revealed that the MoD was studying the adoption of [[Company:MBDA|MBDA]]'s Brimstone missile for the MQ-9.<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_05_03_2013_p0-576042.xml "U.K. Looks To Integrate Brimstone On Reaper UAV".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311134730/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2Fawx_05_03_2013_p0-576042.xml |date=11 March 2014}} Aviation Week, 3 May 2013.</ref> In December 2013, several successful test firings of the Brimstone missile from a Reaper at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake were completed to support integration with RAF Reapers.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-analysing-reaper-results-with-brimstone-missile-395210/ UK analysing Reaper results with Brimstone missile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140128143031/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-analysing-reaper-results-with-brimstone-missile-395210/ |date=28 January 2014}} – Flightglobal.com, 24 January 2014</ref> Nine missiles were fired at an altitude of 20,000&nbsp;ft, at distances of {{convert|7|to|12|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the targets; all nine scored direct hits against static, accelerating, weaving, and fast remotely controlled targets.<ref>[http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/#/news/3255 MBDA's Brimstone Demonstrates its Precision Low Capability from Reaper] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330224520/http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/#/news/3255 |date=30 March 2014}} – MBDA-Systems.com, 21 March 2014</ref>

In 2014, the MoD decided that its Reaper fleet will be brought into the RAF's core fleet once operations over Afghanistan cease. Procurement of the MQ-9A was via an urgent operational capability requirement and funded from the Treasury reserve, but induction into the core fleet will have them funded from the MoD's budget. The Reapers were retained for contingent purposes, mainly to perform intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), until its replacement enters service around 2018.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-reapers-to-enter-service39s-core-fleet-402312/ RAF Reapers to enter service's core fleet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815091440/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-reapers-to-enter-service39s-core-fleet-402312/ |date=15 August 2014}} – Flightglobal.com, 1 August 2014</ref> On 4 October 2015 David Cameron announced that the RAF would replace its existing fleet of 10 Reapers with more than 20 of the "latest generation of RPAS", named as "Protector",<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-investment-in-counter-terrorism-for-uk-armed-forces |title=PM announces investment in counter terrorism capabilities for the Armed Forces |work=UK Ministry of Defence |access-date=4 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005115105/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-investment-in-counter-terrorism-for-uk-armed-forces |archive-date=5 October 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/mod-reveals-reaper-derivative-will-be-chosen-for-pro-417509/ |title=MoD reveals Reaper derivative will be chosen for Protector |work=FlightGlobal |date=7 October 2015 |first=Beth |last=Stevenson |access-date=27 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208080843/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/mod-reveals-reaper-derivative-will-be-chosen-for-pro-417509/ |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 16 October 2014, the MoD announced the deployment of armed Reapers in Operation Shader, the UK's contribution to the United States-led military intervention against Islamic State, the first occasion the UK had used its Reapers outside Afghanistan. The number of aircraft from the RAF's 10-strong fleet was not disclosed, but it was expected that at least two were sent; more were dispatched as the UK drew down from Afghanistan. The RAF Reapers' primary purpose is to provide surveillance support and situational awareness to coalition forces.<ref>{{cite news |title=UK deploys Reaper to the Middle East |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-deploys-reaper-to-the-middle-east |access-date=16 October 2014 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=16 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128074825/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-deploys-reaper-to-the-middle-east |archive-date=28 January 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-reapers-to-operate-over-iraq-404840/ RAF Reapers to operate over Iraq] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018174452/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-reapers-to-operate-over-iraq-404840/ |date=18 October 2014}} – Flightglobal.com, 16 October 2014</ref> On 10 November 2014, the MoD reported that an RAF Reaper had conducted its first airstrike against [[Religion:Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] forces, firing a Hellfire missile at militants placing an IED near Bayji.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-reaper-performs-first-hellfire-strike-in-iraq-405894/ RAF Reaper performs first Hellfire strike in Iraq] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111213157/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-reaper-performs-first-hellfire-strike-in-iraq-405894/ |date=11 November 2014}} – Flightglobal.com, 11 November 2014</ref>

RAF Reapers based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus conducted a single surveillance mission over Syria in November 2014, four in December 2014, and eight in January 2015. On 7 September 2015, Prime Minister David Cameron announced that two Islamic State fighters from Britain had been killed in an intelligence-led strike by an RAF Reaper near Raqqa, Syria, the first armed use of RAF assets in Syria during the civil war.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34178998 |title=Islamic State conflict: Two Britons killed in RAF Syria strike |work=BBC News |date=7 September 2015 |access-date=27 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202204008/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34178998 |archive-date=2 December 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> By January 2016, RAF Reapers had flown 1,000 sorties in support of Operation Shader.<ref>{{citation |last=Stevenson |first=Beth |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-deploys-brimstone-for-counter-is-attacks-420732/ |title=RAF deploys Brimstone for counter-IS attacks |work=FlightGlobal |date=12 January 2016 |access-date=12 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115141550/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/raf-deploys-brimstone-for-counter-is-attacks-420732/ |archive-date=15 January 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Compared to operations in Afghanistan, where RAF Reapers fired 16 Hellfire missiles in 2008, 93 in 2013, and 94 in 2014, in operations against ISIL, 258 Hellfires were fired in 2015.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-reveals-sharp-increase-in-reaper-hellfire-use-421412/ UK reveals sharp increase in Reaper Hellfire use] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202093846/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-reveals-sharp-increase-in-reaper-hellfire-use-421412/ |date=2 February 2016}} – Flightglobal.com, 1 February 2016</ref>

==== Protector ====
In April 2016, the United Kingdom announced that it intended to place an order for the Certifiable Predator B (MQ-9B) as part of its Protector MALE UAV program for the {{wipe|Royal Air Force}}.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 April 2016 |title=Justification of the decision of the procurer to award the contract without the prior publication of a contract notice |url=https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/75acf2ae-7f58-4c9f-98d3-2bd7b1828f1b |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914014432/https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/75acf2ae-7f58-4c9f-98d3-2bd7b1828f1b |archive-date=14 September 2016 |access-date=26 April 2016 |agency=HM Government}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=25 April 2016 |title=UK To Buy 'Certifiable Predator B' |url=http://aerossurance.com/news/uk-certifiable-predator-b/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429003636/http://aerossurance.com/news/uk-certifiable-predator-b/ |archive-date=29 April 2016 |access-date=26 April 2016 |publisher=Aerossurance}}</ref> According to the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the Royal Air Force was to operate at least 20 Protector systems by 2025, replacing all of the ten MQ-9A Reapers.<ref name="SDSR2015">{{cite web |date=November 2015 |title=National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478933/52309_Cm_9161_NSS_SD_Review_web_only.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124082813/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/478933/52309_Cm_9161_NSS_SD_Review_web_only.pdf |archive-date=24 November 2015 |access-date=23 November 2015 |publisher=HM Government}}</ref> The order was subsequently limited to 16 systems. In RAF service the aircraft would be designated as the Protector RG Mk 1 with aircraft to be acquired from 2018-2030 with the first delivery scheduled in 2023.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-selects-certifiable-predator-b-as-reaper-replacem-424667/ "UK selects Certifiable Predator B as Reaper replacement"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428121725/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-selects-certifiable-predator-b-as-reaper-replacem-424667/|date=28 April 2016}} – Flightglobal.com, 27 April 2016</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 July 2018 |title=Protector makes its way to the UK |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/protector-makes-its-way-to-the-uk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712222716/https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/protector-makes-its-way-to-the-uk/ |archive-date=12 July 2018 |website=Royal Air Force}}</ref>

On 15 July 2018, a GA-ASI Company-owned MQ-9B SkyGuardian was flown from the United States to RAF Fairford in the UK for the first transatlantic flight of a MALE UAV. It was displayed at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) air show, where the aircraft was given markings of No. 31 Squadron. This followed an announcement by the RAF's Chief of Air Staff that No. 31 Squadron would be the first RAF Squadron to operate a similar version of the MQ-9B aircraft, to be known as the Protector RG Mark 1 (RG1), starting in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=General Atomics MQ−9B UAV Completes Transatlantic Flight |url=http://www.defenseworld.net/news/22943/General_Atomics_MQ___9B_UAV_Completes_Transatlantic_Flight |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717183814/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/22943/General_Atomics_MQ___9B_UAV_Completes_Transatlantic_Flight#.W03059JKiHs |archive-date=17 July 2018 |access-date=17 July 2018 |work=Defense World}}</ref><ref name="flightglobal.com">{{Cite web |title=Farnborough: RAF touts potential of Protector programme |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-raf-touts-potential-of-protector-progra-450222/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717152033/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-raf-touts-potential-of-protector-progra-450222/ |archive-date=17 July 2018 |access-date=17 July 2018 |work=FlightGlobal}}</ref>The squadron reformed at RAF Waddington in October 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |date=12 October 2023 |title=RAF reconstitutes 31 Squadron as new Protector unit |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/raf-reconstitutes-31-squadron-as-new-protector-unit |access-date=17 October 2023 |website=Janes.com |language=en}}</ref> In July 2020, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract for three Protector UAVs with an option on an additional thirteen aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=15 July 2020 |title=MOD signs £65&nbsp;million contract for Protector aircraft |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mod-signs-65-million-contract-for-protector-aircraft |access-date=16 July 2020 |work=UK Ministry of Defence |location=London}}</ref> It was announced in September 2021 that No. XIII Squadron will become the second Protector squadron.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |date=16 September 2021 |title=RAF names 13 Sqn as second Protector unit |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/raf-names-13-sqn-as-second-protector-unit |access-date=17 November 2021 |website=Janes.com}}</ref>

Protector will be able to carry up to 18 Brimstone 3 missiles or Paveway IV bombs.<ref>{{Cite twitter |number=1019585082011635713 |user=JosephHDempsey |title=No fire but certainly a lot (18) of Brimstone @byMBDA for the UK future Protector UAV |author=Joseph Dempsey |date=18 July 2018}}</ref> The first of 16 Protector UAVs was delivered in September 2023 with initial operating capability expected in 2025<ref>{{cite web |last=Allison |first=George |date=30 September 2023 |title=First new British Protector drone arrives on UK soil |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/first-new-british-protector-drone-arrives-on-uk-soil/ |access-date=1 October 2023 |website=U.K. Defence Journal}}</ref> and full operating capability expected from 2026.<ref name="janesnews">{{cite web |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |date=2 October 2023 |title=GA-ASI delivers first Protector UAV to UK |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ga-asi-delivers-first-protector-uav-to-uk |access-date=10 October 2023 |work=Janes}}</ref>

===== Mojave =====
In May 2023, the UK announced it would be acquiring a carrier-based variant of the MQ-9, the General Atomics Mojave, for seven months of trials aboard its {{sclass|Queen Elizabeth|aircraft carrier}}s.<ref name="ukmojave">{{cite news |title=British aircraft carrier to trial 'Project Mojave' drones |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-aircraft-carrier-to-trial-variant-of-reaper-drones/ |access-date=21 May 2023 |work=UK Defence Journal |date=19 May 2023}}</ref>

====United Arab Emirates====
On 10 November 2020, the US State Department approved the sale of up to 18 MQ-9Bs to the UAE pending approval by Congress.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/united-arab-emirates-mq-9b-remotely-piloted-aircraft |title=United Arab Emirates – MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft |publisher=Defense Security Coooperation Agency |date=10 November 2020 |access-date=11 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2020/11/10/uae-purchase-of-f-35-mq-9-officially-cleared-by-state-department/|title=US State Dept. approves UAE's purchase of F-35 jets, MQ-9 drones|first=Aaron|last=Mehta|date=10 November 2020|website=Defense News|accessdate=30 April 2023}}</ref>

====Taiwan====
On 3 November 2020, the US State Department approved the sale of 4 MQ-9B, along with Control Stations and Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigations Systems (EGI) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) to Taiwan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/taipei-economic-and-cultural-representative-office-united-states-18|title=Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) – MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft &#124; Defense Security Cooperation Agency|website=www.dsca.mil|accessdate=30 April 2023}}</ref>

==== Japan ====
On 15 October 2020, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems conducted validation flights of the SeaGuardian UAV for the Japan Coast Guard (JCG). The test flight was conducted at a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) air base in Hachinohe. Both the JCG and JMSDF have expressed interest in acquiring SeaGuardian UAVs in order to conduct more ocean surveillance.<ref>{{Cite news|date=20 October 2020|title=General Atomics Starts SeaGuardian RPAS Validation Flights in Japan|work=Naval News|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/10/general-atomics-starts-seaguardian-rpas-validation-flights-in-japan/|access-date=19 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Inaba|first=Yoshihiro|date=18 November 2020|title=Japan Coast Guard And JMSDF Planning To Use UAVs For Ocean Surveillance|work=Naval News|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/11/japan-coast-guard-and-jmsdf-planning-to-use-uavs-for-ocean-surveillance/|access-date=19 March 2021}}</ref>

On 15 March 2023, the JMSDF will acquire an MQ-9B SeaGuardian for trials as part of its MALE RPAS Trial Operation Project.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/march/12927-japanese-navy-to-acquire-mq-9b-seaguardian-from-general-atomics.html |title=Japanese Navy to acquire MQ-9B SeaGuardian from General Atomics |work=navyrecognition.com |date=16 March 2023 |access-date=27 March 2023}}</ref>

==== Morocco ====
After the Israel–Morocco normalization agreement in 2020, the US is to approve the sale of four MQ-9B SeaGuardians to Morocco.<ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. Set to OK MQ-9B Drone Sales to Morocco after it Normalizes Ties with Israel |url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28520/U_S__Set_to_OK_MQ_9B_Drone_Sales_to_Morocco_after_it_Normalizes_Ties_with_Israel |date= 11 December 2020 |agency=Defense World |access-date= 1 December 2021}}</ref>

=== Potential operators ===
==== Canada ====
As of 25 September 2023, {{wipe|Royal Canadian Air Force}} was looking at purchasing the MQ-9 along with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, in a CA$5 billion contract. The drones were reportedly to be stationed at CFB Greenwood and CFB Comox, with personnel in [[Place:Ottawa|Ottawa]] and Yellowknife to support the program. A contract was announced on 19 December 2023 for 11 MQ-9B drones, 219 Hellfire missiles, and 12 Mk82 500-pound bombs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bc.ctvnews.ca/canadian-military-to-spend-2-5-billion-on-armed-drones-1.6693907 |title=Canadian military to spend $2.5 billion on armed drones |last=Coyne |first=Todd |date=December 19, 2023 |access-date=January 4, 2024}}</ref>

==== Finland ====
As of Autumn 2021, Finnish Defence Forces is doing test flights with the MQ-9.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/en/-/finnish-defense-forces-is-testing-unmanned-aerial-systems |title = Finnish Defense Forces is Testing Unmanned Aerial Systems |date= 1 July 2021 |work= Finnish Defence Forces |access-date= 18 June 2023}}</ref>

==== Poland ====
The Polish Ministry of National Defense announced on 28 February 2022 that it plans to purchase an unspecified number of MQ-9 Reaper drones.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zbiam.pl/bojowe-mq-9-reaper-jako-pilna-potrzeba-operacyjna/|title = Bojowe MQ-9 Reaper jako pilna potrzeba operacyjna| date=28 February 2022 }}</ref>

===Cancelled acquisitions===
====Australia====
In September 2006, the General Atomics Mariner demonstrator aircraft was operated by the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTO) in an exercise designed to evaluate the aircraft's ability to aid in efforts to stem illegal fishing, drug running and illegal immigration. The Mariner operated from {{wipe|Royal Australian Air Force}} bases Edinburgh, South Australia and Learmonth, Western Australia in conjunction with a Royal Australian Navy ''Armidale'' class patrol boat, the Joint Offshore Protection Command, and the [[Earth:Pilbara Regiment|Pilbara Regiment]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense-update.com/news/ausi-uav-906.htm |title=Australia Tests Maritime Surveillance UAV |work=Defense Update |date=4 September 2006 |access-date=12 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108195943/http://defense-update.com/news/ausi-uav-906.htm |archive-date=8 January 2012 }}</ref>

In February 2015, it was announced that six RAAF personnel had been sent to Holloman AFB, New Mexico and Creech AFB, Nevada to undergo training.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/02/raaf-commences-reaper-training |date=15 February 2015 |title=RAAF commences Reaper training |access-date=22 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223235246/http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/02/raaf-commences-reaper-training/ |archive-date=23 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2015, it was revealed that Australians had begun flying MQ-9s over Syria, the first time Australia expanded operations past Iraq during the Military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.  Five RAAF personnel were embedded with the USAF 432nd Operations Group, which flies armed Reapers, performing operational duties with the unit as MQ-9 system pilots and sensor operators.<ref>[http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2008 Australian pilots began flying US MQ-9 Reaper drones over Syria to fight against IS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929050511/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2008 |date=29 September 2015}} – Airrecognition.com, 14 August 2015</ref>

In November 2018, the Defence Minister Christopher Pyne announced that Australia would purchase 12 to 16 MQ-9s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/australia-to-buy-armed-reaper-drones-in-shift-towards-pilotless-future-20181115-p50g7y.html |title=Australia to buy armed Reaper drones in shift towards pilotless future |date=15 November 2018 |access-date=16 November 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116021215/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/australia-to-buy-armed-reaper-drones-in-shift-towards-pilotless-future-20181115-p50g7y.html |archive-date=16 November 2018}}</ref> In November 2019, Australia announced the selection of the MQ-9B for its armed Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS requirement under Project Air 7003.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}

In April 2021, the State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of 12 MQ-9B Reapers and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.651&nbsp;billion (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=1651000000|start_year=2021}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Australia – MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft {{!}} Defense Security Cooperation Agency|url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/australia-mq-9b-remotely-piloted-aircraft|access-date=28 April 2021|website=www.dsca.mil}}</ref>

The Australian Government canceled the planned Reaper acquisition in March 2022. The funding intended for the project was redirected to expanding the [[Organization:Australian Signals Directorate|Australian Signals Directorate]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bergmann |first1=Kym |title=AIR 7003 armed UCAV project cancelled |url=https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/speculation-that-air-7003-armed-ucav-project-to-be-cancelled/ |access-date=1 April 2022 |work=APDR |date=1 April 2022 |language=en-AU}}</ref>

==Variants==
{{Multiple issues|
}}

=== MQ-9 ===

==== Mariner ====
A navalized Reaper, named ''Mariner'', was proposed for the U.S. Navy's Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program.  It had an increased fuel capacity for an endurance of up to 49 hours.<ref name="GAmar">{{Cite web |title=Mariner |url=http://www.uav.com/products/mariner.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060510041526/http://www.uav.com/products/mariner.html |archive-date=10 May 2006 |publisher=General Atomics}}</ref> Variations included one for [[Engineering:Aircraft carrier|aircraft carrier]] operations with folding wings for storage, shortened, reinforced landing gear, an arresting hook, cut-down or eliminated ventral flight surfaces and six stores pylons for a total load of 3,000 pounds (1,360 kilograms).<ref name="vector" /> The Northrop Grumman RQ-4N was selected as the BAMS winner.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

==== Guardian ====
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operates two maritime variants of the MQ-9, known as ''Guardians''.<ref name="Guardian B" /> The U.S. Coast Guard evaluated the Guardian, including performing joint operations with CBP.<ref name="USCG">{{cite web |title=Future os Unmanned Aircraft Systems Highlighted |url=http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/newsroom/pdf/CG9newsletterFall11-3.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215234233/http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/newsroom/pdf/cg9newsletterfall11-3.pdf |archive-date=15 December 2011 |access-date=27 December 2011 |work=Delivering the Goods: News from U.S. Coast Guard Acquisition |publisher=US Coast Guard}}</ref> CBP and the Coast Guard operate one MQ-9 Guardian jointly out of land-based stations in Florida and Texas.<ref name="CG" />

==== MQ-9 Block 5 ====
On 24 May 2012, General Atomics conducted the successful first flight of its upgraded MQ-9 Block 1-plus Reaper. The Block 1-plus version was designed for increased electrical power, secure communications, automatic landing, increased gross takeoff weight (GTOW), weapons growth, and streamlined payload integration capabilities. A new high-capacity starter generator offers increased electrical power capacity to provide growth capacity; a backup generator is also present and is sufficient for all flight-critical functions, improving the electrical power system's reliability via three independent power sources.<ref name="insidedefense.com">29 January 2013, [http://insidedefense.com/index.php?option=com_user&view=login&return=aHR0cDovL2luc2lkZWRlZmVuc2UuY29tL1VubWFubmVkLVN5c3RlbXMvV2Vla2x5LUFsZXJ0L3dlZWtseS1hbGVydC1qYW51YXJ5LTI5LTIwMTMvbWVudS1pZC04OTAuaHRtbA== USAF Works To Address Avionics Software Deficiencies In MQ-9 Reaper] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403103617/http://insidedefense.com/index.php?option=com_user&view=login&return=aHR0cDovL2luc2lkZWRlZmVuc2UuY29tL1VubWFubmVkLVN5c3RlbXMvV2Vla2x5LUFsZXJ0L3dlZWtseS1hbGVydC1qYW51YXJ5LTI5LTIwMTMvbWVudS1pZC04OTAuaHRtbA==|date=3 April 2015}} Inside Defence. Retrieved 3 March 2013</ref><ref name="suasnews.com">[http://www.suasnews.com/2012/09/18590/ga-asi-introduces-system-wide-enhancements-for-predator-bmq-9-reaper/ GA-ASI Introduces System-Wide Enhancements for Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205013418/http://www.suasnews.com/2012/09/18590/ga-asi-introduces-system-wide-enhancements-for-predator-bmq-9-reaper/|date=5 February 2013}}, sUAS News, 5 September 2012</ref>

New communications capabilities, including dual ARC-210 VHF/UHF radios with wingtip antennas, allow for simultaneous communications between multiple air-to-air and air-to-ground parties, secure data links, and an increased data transmission capacity. The new trailing arm main landing gear allows the carriage of heavier payloads or additional fuel. Development and testing were completed, and Milestone C was achieved in September 2012.  Follow-on aircraft will be redesignated ''MQ-9 Block 5''.<ref name="insidedefense.com" /><ref name="suasnews.com" /> On 15 October 2013, the USAF awarded General Atomics a $377.4&nbsp;million contract for 24 MQ-9 Block 5 Reapers.<ref>[http://www.suasnews.com/2013/10/25674/air-force-to-buy-24-late-model-reaper-hunter-killer-uavs-under-terms-of-377-4-million-contract/ Air Force to buy 24 late-model Reaper hunter-killer UAVs under terms of $377.4 million contract] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031222914/http://www.suasnews.com/2013/10/25674/air-force-to-buy-24-late-model-reaper-hunter-killer-uavs-under-terms-of-377-4-million-contract/|date=31 October 2013}}, sUAS News, 22 October 2013</ref> The MQ-9 Block 5 flew its first combat mission on 23 June 2017.<ref name="Blk5">{{Cite press release |title=The Air Force's Newest MQ-9 Reaper Drone Is Now Hunting ISIS |work=Military.com |publisher=US Air Force |date=30 June 2017 |url=https://www.military.com/defensetech/2017/06/30/air-forces-newest-mq-9-reaper-drone-now-hunting-isis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707201247/https://www.defensetech.org/2017/06/30/air-forces-newest-mq-9-reaper-drone-now-hunting-isis/ |archive-date=7 July 2017}}</ref>

=== Mojave ===
A developed of the [[Engineering:General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle|General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle]] incorporating some technologies from the MQ-9 family to facilitate Short take-off and landing operations from both austere and naval environments.

=== MQ-9B (Certifiable Predator B) ===

==== SkyGuardian ====
[[File:MQ-9B Sky Guardian testing at Laguna Army Airfield.jpg|thumb|The SkyGuardian at Laguna Army Airfield for testing and certification, including a 48.2-hour endurance record and first FAA certification of an unmanned aircraft to fly in civilian air space.<ref name="YPG airfield">[https://www.army.mil/article/222712/game_changing_unmanned_aircraft_tested_at_us_army_yuma_proving_ground Game-changing unmanned aircraft tested at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground], Army, Mark Schauer (ATEC), dated 3 June 2019. Retrieved 24 July 2019</ref>]]

International demand for a MALE RPAS capable of being certified for operation within civilian airspace drove General Atomics to develop a version of the platform known by GA-ASI as ''MQ-9B SkyGuardian'', previously called Certifiable Predator B, to make it compliant with European flight regulations to get more sales in European countries. In order to fly over national airspace, the aircraft meets [[Engineering:NATO STANAG 4671|NATO STANAG 4671]] airworthiness requirements with lightning protection, different composite materials, and sense and avoid technology.<ref name="dodbuzz.com">[http://www.dodbuzz.com/2015/06/25/general-atomics-readies-drone-for-european-skies/ General Atomics Readies Drone for European Skies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626102352/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2015/06/25/general-atomics-readies-drone-for-european-skies/|date=26 June 2015}}. DoDBuzz, 25 June 2015.</ref><ref name="skyGuardian">{{Cite web |title=Sky guardian |url=http://www.ga-asi.com/Websites/gaasi/images/products/aircraft_systems/pdf/SkyGuardian_DataSheet.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403091818/http://www.ga-asi.com/Websites/gaasi/images/products/aircraft_systems/pdf/SkyGuardian_DataSheet.pdf |archive-date=3 April 2018 |access-date=17 July 2018 |publisher=GA-SI |type=data sheet}}</ref>

The MQ-9Bs performance changes include a {{convert|79|ft|m|abbr=on}} wingspan that has winglets and enough fuel for a 40-hour endurance at {{convert|50000|ft|m|abbr=on}}. Features include High Definition EO/IR Full Motion Video sensor, De/Anti-Icing System, TCAS, and Automatic Take-Off & Land. The system also includes a completely redesigned & modernized integrated ground control station with 4 crew stations.<ref name="dodbuzz.com" /><ref name="skyGuardian" />

On 28 November 2019, the Australian Government announced the selection of the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) MQ-9B SkyGuardian as its preferred version of the Predator B for the RAAF's Project AIR 7003 MALE armed remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) requirement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 November 2019 |title=Govt announces MQ-9B Sky Guardian for AIR 7003 |url=https://adbr.com.au/govt-announces-mq-9b-sky-guardian-for-air-7003/ |work=ADBR}}</ref> The Australian Government cancelled the planned acquisition in March 2022.

On 19 December 2023, the Canadian Government announced the purchase of eleven MQ-9B SkyGuardian aircraft to be operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force.<ref name="can19dec2023a">{{cite web |date=2023-12-19 |title=Canada acquiring Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems for the Canadian Armed Forces |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2023/12/canada-acquiring-remotely-piloted-aircraft-systems-for-the-canadian-armed-forces.html}}</ref><ref name="ga19dec2023a">{{cite web |date=2023-12-19 |title=Government of Canada Orders the MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS from GA-ASI |url=https://www.ga-asi.com/government-of-canada-orders-the-mq-9b-skyguardian-rpas-from-ga-asi}}</ref><ref name="cbc19dec2023a">{{cite web |last=Brewster |first=Murray |date=2023-12-19 |title=Canadian military buying armed drones for $2.49B |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/armed-drone-canadian-armed-forces-1.7063989 |publisher=CBC News}}</ref>

==== SeaGuardian ====
General Atomics continued with the development of a Naval Reaper concept, eventiually culminating in a variant of the MQ-9B known as the SeaGuardian. It has an endurance of more than 18 hours and can mount an eight-hour patrol at a radius of {{cvt|1200|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}}{{Update inline|date=January 2024|reason=Official datasheets appear to claim a considerably higher endurance and range than was is displayed}}. A key part of its mission set is the Leonardo Seaspray 7500E V2 AESA radar mounted as a centerline pod with inverse synthetic aperture radar that can spot surface targets including ships, submarine periscopes, and people during search and rescue operations.<ref name="ain20jan21">[https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2021-01-20/general-atomics-advances-seaguardian-systems General Atomics Advances SeaGuardian Systems]. ''Aviation International News''. 20 January 2021.</ref> The SeaGuardian can be fitted with Multimode 360 Maritime Surface Search Radar and [[Engineering:Automatic identification system|automatic identification system]] (AIS).<ref name="skyGuardian" />

General Atomics studied testing a sonobuoy launch capability from the Guardian in 2016 to demonstrate its ability to carry them, control them, and send information back to the ground station over a SATCOM link.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/new-maritime-capability-developed-for-mq-9-417133/ New maritime capability developed for MQ-9] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929141342/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/new-maritime-capability-developed-for-mq-9-417133/|date=29 September 2015}}, Flightglobal, 25 September 2015</ref> In November 2020, a company-owned Reaper carried out a trial releasing sonobuoys, then processing information from them to track a training target. This led to the creation of an anti-submarine warfare package for the SeaGuardian, the first self-contained ASW package for a UAS. The package comprises podded sonobuoy dispenser systems (SDS), using a pneumatic launch system to launch ten A-size or twenty G-size buoys from each pod, and a sonobuoy management and control system (SMCS); the aircraft can carry up to four pods.<ref name="ain20jan21" />

==== MQ-9B STOL ====
AT INDO PACIFIC 2022 in Sydney, Australia, General Atomics revealed their concept for a short-take-off-and-landing kit capable of being applied to any MQ-9B aircraft. This kit would replace the wings, tail and propeller with STOL optimised equivalents allowing for use from austere environments and particularly aircraft carriers as well as Landing-Helicopter-Docks/Platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Felton |first=Ben |date=2022-05-10 |title=General Atomics unveils MQ-9B STOL for small Flat Tops |url=https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/indo-pacific-2022/2022/05/general-atomics-unveils-mq-9b-stol-for-small-flat-tops/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A New Short-Field Advantage: MQ-9B STOL |url=https://www.ga-asi.com/a-new-short-field-advantage-mq-9b-stol |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MQ-9B STOL |url=https://www.ga-asi.com/remotely-piloted-aircraft/mq-9b-stol |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-27 |title=Could Maritime Protector RPAS operate from Royal Navy aircraft carriers? {{!}} Navy Lookout |url=https://www.navylookout.com/could-maritime-protector-rpas-operate-from-royal-navy-aircraft-carriers/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=www.navylookout.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper Users.png|thumb|Map with MQ-9 users in blue]]<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
;{{Flagu|France}}
* French Air and Space Force (Armée de l'air et de l'espace)
** Cognac – Châteaubernard Air Base, Charente
***Escadron de Drones 1/33 Belfort<ref name="http://www.janes.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/27464/france-conducts-its-first-mq-9-reaper-flight/ |title=France conducts its first MQ-9 Reaper flight |work=janes.com |date=25 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015003937/http://www.janes.com/article/27464/france-conducts-its-first-mq-9-reaper-flight |archive-date=15 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
<!-- ;{{Flagu|Greece}}
* {{wipe|Hellenic Air Force}} - 3 SeaGuardian on order<ref>{{cite web |last1=Singh Bisht |first1=Inder |title=Greek Parliament Approves $400M MQ-9B SeaGuardian Drone Purchase |url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/07/08/greece-mq-9b-purchase/ |website=thedefensepost.com |publisher=The Defense Post |access-date=13 July 2022}}</ref> Wait until an actual order is signed or finalized. -->
;{{Flagu|India}}
<!-- * {{wipe|Indian Air Force}} - 10 under negotiation{{cn|date=March 2020}} -->
* Indian Navy – 2 on lease since Nov. 2020.<ref name="India_leases_2">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-leases-top-notch-us-drones-for-surveillance-amidst-border-row-with-china/articleshow/79413719.cms|title = MQ-9 Reaper drone: India leases top-notch US drones for surveillance amid border row with China |website = The Times of India|date = 26 November 2020 }}</ref>
**INS Rajali, Tamil Nadu
<!-- *Indian Army – 10 under negotiation<ref name="financialexpress.com"/> -->
;{{Flagu|Italy}}
* {{wipe|Italian Air Force}} (Aeronautica Militare)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/italy/italy-aeronautica-militare |title=Orbat: ITALY - AERONAUTICA MILITARE |website=Scramble |access-date=17 November 2021}}</ref>
**Amendola Air Base, Province of Foggia
*** 32° Stormo<ref name="difesanews.it">{{cite web |url=http://www.difesanews.it/archives/italia-acquisira-4-uav-predator-breaper/ |title=Italia acquisirà 4 UAV Predator B/Reaper |work=Difesanews.it |date=19 February 2008 |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722031946/http://www.difesanews.it/archives/italia-acquisira-4-uav-predator-breaper |archive-date=22 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
****28° Gruppo
**Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily
*** 32° Stormo
****61° Gruppo Volo

;{{Flagu|Japan}}
* Japan Coast Guard - 3 SeaGuardian in operational use since October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=海上保安庁、無人機シーガーディアンの3機運用開始 24時間365日監視可能に |url=https://www.aviationwire.jp/archives/277271 |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=Aviation Wire |language=ja-JP}}</ref>
<!-- No source for completed order/signed contract for this: 
;{{Flagu|Morocco}}
* [[Organization:Royal Moroccan Air Force|Royal Moroccan Air Force]]{{cn|date=March 2021}} -->
;{{Flagu|Netherlands}}
* {{wipe|Royal Netherlands Air Force}} – 4 on order as of 2020 with 4 more to be ordered in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/199252/first-dutch-crews-fly-mq_9-reapers-as-delivery-nears.html |title=First Dutch Crews Fly MQ-9 Reaper |access-date=25 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ad.nl/politiek/kamer-in-1-5-uur-akkoord-met-megaorder-voor-extra-straaljagers-en-drones~ac33806f/ |title=Kamer in 1,5 uur akkoord met megaorder voor extra straaljagers en drones |trans-title=House after 1.5 hours agrees to mega order for extra jets and drones |language=Dutch |date=4 July 2022 |access-date=4 July 2022}}</ref>
** Leeuwarden Air Base, Friesland
***No. 306 Squadron
**** Tdy at Curaçao International Airport
;{{Flagu|Poland}}
* {{wipe|Polish Air Force}} - unspecified number of leased units in service since Feb 2023<ref>{{cite web | title=Wydzierżawione Reapery już w Polsce | website=MILMAG | date=12 February 2023 | url=https://milmag.pl/wydzierzawione-reapery-juz-w-polsce/ | language=pl | access-date=16 May 2023}}</ref>
;{{Flagu|Spain}}
* Spanish Air and Space Force<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scramble.nl/planning/orbats/spain/spain-air-force |title=Orbat: Spain – Air Force |website=Scramble |access-date=17 November 2021}}</ref>
**Talavera la Real Air Base, Extremadura
*** ALA 23<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ejercitodelaire.defensa.gob.es/EA/ejercitodelaire/es/noticias/noticia/Primeras-sueltas-de-tripulaciones-espanolas-en-el-Predator-B/|title = Ejército del Aire - Noticias - Detalle de noticia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16699%3Agana-el-reaper-espana-comprara-cuatro-uav-reaper-en-version-block-5-y-equipo-asociado-por-243-millones-de-dolares&catid=54%3Aespana&Itemid=162 |title=Gana el Reaper: España comprará cuatro UAV Reaper en versión Block 5 y equipo asociado por 243 miliones de dólares |language=es |trans-title=Gaining the Reaper: Spain will buy four Reaper UAV version Block 5 and team associated by 243 million dollars |work=Defensa.com |date=7 October 2015 |access-date=27 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117191848/http://www.defensa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16699:gana-el-reaper-espana-comprara-cuatro-uav-reaper-en-version-block-5-y-equipo-asociado-por-243-millones-de-dolares&catid=54:espana&Itemid=162 |archive-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
**** 233 Escuadrón

;{{Flagu|United Kingdom}} 
* {{wipe|Royal Air Force}} – 10 ordered with 9 in active service. 1 more ordered in March 2021;<ref name="ukreaperorder">{{cite news |last1=Jennings |first1=Gareth |title=UK acquires 'second operating location' Reaper UAV |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uk-acquires-second-operating-location-reaper-uav |access-date=8 April 2021 |work=Jane's Defence Weekly |date=1 April 2021}}</ref> 16 Protector UAVs ordered for delivery starting in 2023 to replace Reaper.<ref name="janesnews"/>
** RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire 
***No. XIII Squadron<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafwaddington/aboutus/13squadron.cfm |title=XIII Squadron |work=Royal Air Force |access-date=27 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115141550/http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafwaddington/aboutus/13squadron.cfm |archive-date=15 January 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/second-protector-squadron-to-be-13-squadron/|title=Second Protector squadron to be 13 Squadron|first=George|last=Allison|date=17 September 2021}}</ref>
*** No. 54 Squadron (Operational Conversion Unit; converting to Protector UAV from 2023/24)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafwaddington/aboutus/54rsquadron.cfm |title=Number 54 Squadron |work=Royal Air Force |access-date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314232951/http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafwaddington/aboutus/54rsquadron.cfm |archive-date=14 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
***No. 31 Squadron (forming on Protector UAV from 2023)<ref name="janesnews"/>
**Former: Creech Air Force Base, Nevada
***No. 39 Squadron (2007–2022)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/no-39-squadron-standard-lodged-at-raf-cranwell-following-disbandment/ |title=No 39 Squadron standard lodged at RAF Cranwell following disbandment |website=Royal Air Force |date=28 February 2023 |access-date=3 May 2023}}</ref>

;{{Flagu|United States}}
* {{wipe|United States Air Force}}
**Air Combat Command
*** 49th Wing ({{wipe|Holloman Air Force Base}}, New Mexico)
**** 6th Attack Squadron
**** 16th Training Squadron
**** 9th Attack Squadron
**** 29th Attack Squadron
*** 53d Wing ({{wipe|Eglin Air Force Base}}, Florida)
**** 556th Test and Evaluation Squadron (Creech Air Force Base, Nevada)
*** 432d Wing (Creech Air Force Base, Nevada)
**** 11th Attack Squadron
**** 15th Attack Squadron
**** 20th Attack Squadron ({{wipe|Whiteman Air Force Base}}, Missouri)
**** 22d Attack Squadron
**** 50th Attack Squadron ({{wipe|Shaw Air Force Base}}, South Carolina)
**** 89th Attack Squadron ({{wipe|Ellsworth Air Force Base}}, South Dakota)
**** 482d Attack Squadron ({{wipe|Shaw Air Force Base}}, South Carolina)
**** 489th Attack Squadron
**United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa
*** 31st Operations Group
**** 731st Expeditionary Attack Squadron (71st Air Base, Romania)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2022/07/14/mq-9-reaper-crashes-in-romania/|title=MQ-9 Reaper Has Crashed in Romania|author=Amelia Smith|work=Overt Defense|date=14 July 2022}}</ref>
*** 52d Expeditionary Operations Group
**** Detachment 2 (12th Air Base, Poland)<ref name="CAISEPT19-11">{{cite book|title=Combat Aircraft|date=September 2019|publisher=Key Publishing Ltd|location=Stamford, Lincolnshire, England|pages=11|title-link=Combat Aircraft Monthly (magazine)}}</ref>
** {{wipe|Air Force Special Operations Command}}
*** 27th Special Operations Wing ({{wipe|Cannon Air Force Base}}, New Mexico)
**** 33d Special Operations Squadron
*** 58th Special Operations Wing ({{wipe|Kirtland Air Force Base}}, New Mexico)
**** 551st Special Operations Squadron
** Air National Guard
*** 107th Attack Wing ({{wipe|Niagara Falls Air Force Base}}, New York)
**** 136th Attack Squadron
*** 174th Attack Wing (Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, New York)
**** 138th Attack Squadron
*** 111th Attack Wing (Horsham Air Guard Station, Montgomery, Pennsylvania)
**** 103d Attack Squadron
*** 118th Wing (Berry Field, Nashville, Tennessee)
**** 105th Attack Squadron
*** 132d Wing (Des Moines Air National Guard Base, Des Moines, Iowa)
**** 124th Attack Squadron
*** 147th Attack Wing (Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas)
**** 111th Reconnaissance Squadron
*** 163d Attack Wing (March AFB, California)
**** 160th Attack Squadron
**** 196th Attack Squadron
*** 178th Wing (Springfield-Beckley Air National Guard Station, Springfield, Ohio)
*** 188th Wing (188 WG) (Ebbing Air National Guard Station, Fort Smith, Arkansas)
**** 184th Attack Squadron
*** 110th Wing (Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Battle Creek, Michigan)
**** 172d Attack Squadron
** {{wipe|Air Force Reserve Command}}
*** 919th Special Operations Wing (Duke Field, Florida)
**** 2d Special Operations Squadron
* U.S. Customs and Border Protection
** Sierra Vista, Arizona
** {{wipe|Grand Forks Air Force Base}}, North Dakota
** {{wipe|Cape Canaveral Air Force Station}}, Florida
** Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas

==Specifications==
[[File:MQ-9 Reaper - 080619-F-7251M-959.jpg|thumb|Honeywell turboprop]]
[[File:MQ-9 Reaper taxis.jpg|thumb|MQ-9 Reaper taxiing]]

===MQ-9A Reaper===
{{Aircraft specs 
 |ref=USAF Fact Sheet,<ref name=USAFfactsheet /> 
 |prime units?=imp
<!--    General characteristics
-->
 |crew=0 onboard, 2 in ground station
 |length m=11
 |span m=20
 |height m=3.81
 |empty weight kg=2,223
 |max takeoff weight kg=4,760
 |fuel capacity=4,000&nbsp;lb (1,800&nbsp;kg)
* '''Payload:''' {{convert|3800|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
** ''Internal:'' {{convert|800|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
** ''External:'' {{convert|3000|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
<!--   Powerplant
-->
 |eng1 number=1
 |eng1 name=Honeywell TPE331-10
 |eng1 type=turboprop
 |eng1 kw=671
 |eng1 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng1 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
 |eng1 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
 |eng1 note=with Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC)<ref name="auto1">[http://honeywell.com/sites/aero/technology/aerotechmagazine3_C6CF7D843-6C1D-21B4-CBF6-0D99E3E4E24B_HF8A538A2-2693-3848-73E8-75B1DAD39AC8.htm Tech Spotlight – TPE331-10 Turboprop – Honeywell Aerospace Engineering]. Honeywell.com. Retrieved 8 September 2010. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213224707/http://honeywell.com/sites/aero/technology/aerotechmagazine3_C6CF7D843-6C1D-21B4-CBF6-0D99E3E4E24B_HF8A538A2-2693-3848-73E8-75B1DAD39AC8.htm |date=13 February 2008}}</ref>
 |power original=
 |thrust original=
 |eng1 kn-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
 |eng1 lbf-ab=<!-- afterburners -->

 |eng2 number=
 |eng2 name=
 |eng2 type=
 |eng2 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng2 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng2 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng2 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
 |eng2 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
 |eng2 note=
 |eng2 kn-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
 |eng2 lbf-ab=<!-- afterburners -->

 |eng3 number=
 |eng3 name=
 |eng3 type=
 |eng3 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng3 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng3 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng3 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
 |eng3 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
 |eng3 note=
 |eng3 kn-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
 |eng3 lbf-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
 |more power=

 |prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
 |prop name=
 |prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
 |prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
 |prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
 |prop dia note=

 |rot number=<!-- helicopters -->
 |rot dia m=<!-- helicopters -->
 |rot dia ft=<!-- helicopters -->
 |rot dia in=<!-- helicopters -->
 |rot area sqm=<!-- helicopters -->
 |rot area sqft=<!-- helicopters -->
 |rot area note=
<!--    Performance
-->
 |perfhide=

 |max speed kmh=482
 |max speed mph=
 |max speed kts=
 |max speed note=
 |max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
 |cruise speed kmh=313
 |cruise speed mph=
 |cruise speed kts=
 |cruise speed note=<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=620336273 |title=Reaper UAV To Receive Improved Targeting From Raytheon |publisher=SatNews.com |date=24 September 2008 |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716204049/http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=620336273 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 |stall speed kmh=
 |stall speed mph=
 |stall speed kts=
 |stall speed note=
 |never exceed speed kmh=
 |never exceed speed mph=
 |never exceed speed kts=
 |never exceed speed note=
 |minimum control speed kmh=
 |minimum control speed mph=
 |minimum control speed kts=
 |minimum control speed note=
 |range km=
 |range miles=
 |range nmi=1000
 |range note=
 |combat range km=
 |combat range miles=
 |combat range nmi=
 |combat range note=
 |ferry range km=
 |ferry range miles=
 |ferry range nmi=
 |ferry range note=
 |endurance=27 hr<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ga-asi.com/remotely-piloted-aircraft/mq-9a|title=MQ-9A "Reaper"|website=ga-asi.com|access-date=16 May 2023}}</ref>
 |ceiling m=15,420
 |ceiling ft=50,000
 |ceiling note=
 |g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
 |roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
 |glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
 |climb rate ms=
 |climb rate ftmin=
 |climb rate note=
 |time to altitude=
 |sink rate ms=<!-- sailplanes -->
 |sink rate ftmin=<!-- sailplanes -->
 |sink rate note=
 |lift to drag=
 |wing loading kg/m2=
 |wing loading lb/sqft=
 |wing loading note=
 |disk loading kg/m2=
 |disk loading lb/sqft=
 |disk loading note=
 |fuel consumption kg/km=
 |fuel consumption lb/mi=
 |power/mass=
 |thrust/weight=

 |more performance=
* '''Operational altitude:''' 25,000&nbsp;ft (7.5&nbsp;km)<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite web |url=http://file.sunshinepress.org:54445/uk-istar-handbook-2007.pdf |title=Field Army ISTAR Handbook (Restricted) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515215714/http://file.sunshinepress.org:54445/uk-istar-handbook-2007.pdf |archive-date=15 May 2008 }}</ref>
<!--    Armament
-->
 |armament=
* 7 hardpoints
**Up to {{convert|1500|lb|kg|abbr=on}} on the two inboard weapons stations<ref name="A.F T.O. 1Q9MA-1">A.F&nbsp;T.O.&nbsp;1Q9(M)A-1</ref>
**Up to {{convert|750|lb|kg|abbr=on}} on the two middle stations<ref name="A.F T.O. 1Q9MA-1"/>
** Up to {{convert|150|lb|kg|abbr=on}} on the outboard stations<ref name="A.F T.O. 1Q9MA-1"/>
** Center station not used
* Up to eight AGM-114 Hellfire air to ground missiles can be carried or four Hellfire missiles and two {{convert|500|lb|kg|abbr=on}} GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs. The 500&nbsp;lb (230&nbsp;kg) GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) can also be carried. Testing is underway{{update inline |date=October 2016}} to support the operation of the Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS). In March 2014, [[Company:MBDA|MBDA]] successfully test fired a dual mode Brimstone missile from a Reaper aircraft on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence and Royal Air Force.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dual Mode Brimstone Achieves Direct Hits in MQ-9 Reaper Testing |url=http://mbdainc.com/dual-mode-brimstone-achieves-direct-hits-mq-9-reaper-testing/ |access-date=9 December 2014 |publisher=MBDA |date=24 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209212920/http://mbdainc.com/dual-mode-brimstone-achieves-direct-hits-mq-9-reaper-testing/ |archive-date=9 December 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>  Depending on mission requirements, the MQ-9 Reaper can carry multiple [[Engineering:AIM-9 Sidewinder|AIM-9 Sidewinder]] Block 2 missiles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2020/09/24/us-air-force-fires-aim-9x-from-mq-9-reaper-drone/|title=US Air Force fires AIM-9X from MQ-9 Reaper |publisher=Global Defense Corp |date=24 September 2020|access-date=30 July 2021}}</ref>
 |guns= 
 |bombs= 
 |rockets= 
 |missiles= 
 |hardpoints=
 |hardpoint capacity=
 |hardpoint rockets=
 |hardpoint missiles=
 |hardpoint bombs=
 |hardpoint other=

 |avionics=
* AN/DAS-1 MTS-B Multi-Spectral Targeting System<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Electronic-Mission-Aircraft/AN-DAS-1-Multi-spectral-Targeting-System-MTS--B-United-States.html |title=AN/DAS-1 Multi-spectral Targeting System (MTS) – B (United States) |work=Jane's Electronic Mission Aircraft |date=15 March 2010 |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924192740/http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Electronic-Mission-Aircraft/AN-DAS-1-Multi-spectral-Targeting-System-MTS--B-United-States.html |archive-date=24 September 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* AN/APY-8 Lynx II radar<ref name="auto3">{{cite web |url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/l/lynx-sar.htm |title=Lynx / AN/APY-8 |publisher=Defense Update.com |date=23 August 2006 |access-date=8 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105225638/http://www.defense-update.com/products/l/lynx-sar.htm |archive-date=5 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Raytheon SeaVue Marine Search Radar (Guardian variants)<ref name="Guardian B" />
}}

===MQ-9B Skyguardian===
{{Aircraft specs 
 |ref=General Atomics Catalog<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ga-asi.com/remotely-piloted-aircraft/mq-9b-skyguardian | title=MQ-9B SkyGuardian }}</ref> 
 |prime units?=imp
<!--    General characteristics
-->
 |crew=0 onboard, 2 in ground station
 |length m=11.7
 |span m=24
 |height m=
 |empty weight kg=
 |max takeoff weight kg=5,670
 |fuel capacity=6,000&nbsp;lb (2,721&nbsp;kg)
* '''Payload:''' {{convert|5550|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
** ''Internal:'' {{convert|800|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
** ''External:'' {{convert|4750|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
<!--   Powerplant
-->
 |eng1 number=1
 |eng1 name=Honeywell TPE331-10
 |eng1 type=turboprop
 |eng1 kw=671
 |eng1 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng1 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
 |eng1 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
 |eng1 note=with Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC)<ref name="auto1"/>
 |power original=
 |thrust original=
 |eng1 kn-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
 |eng1 lbf-ab=<!-- afterburners -->

 |eng2 number=
 |eng2 name=
 |eng2 type=
 |eng2 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng2 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng2 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng2 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
 |eng2 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
 |eng2 note=
 |eng2 kn-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
 |eng2 lbf-ab=<!-- afterburners -->

 |eng3 number=
 |eng3 name=
 |eng3 type=
 |eng3 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng3 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng3 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
 |eng3 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
 |eng3 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
 |eng3 note=
 |eng3 kn-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
 |eng3 lbf-ab=<!-- afterburners -->
 |more power=

 |prop blade number=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
 |prop name=
 |prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
 |prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
 |prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
 |prop dia note=

 |rot number=<!-- helicopters -->
 |rot dia m=<!-- helicopters -->
 |rot dia ft=<!-- helicopters -->
 |rot dia in=<!-- helicopters -->
 |rot area sqm=<!-- helicopters -->
 |rot area sqft=<!-- helicopters -->
 |rot area note=
<!--    Performance
-->
 |perfhide=

 |max speed kmh=
 |max speed mph=
 |max speed kts=210
 |max speed note=
 |max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
 |cruise speed kmh=
 |cruise speed mph=
 |cruise speed kts=
 |cruise speed note=
 |stall speed kmh=
 |stall speed mph=
 |stall speed kts=
 |stall speed note=
 |never exceed speed kmh=
 |never exceed speed mph=
 |never exceed speed kts=
 |never exceed speed note=
 |minimum control speed kmh=
 |minimum control speed mph=
 |minimum control speed kts=
 |minimum control speed note=
 |range km=
 |range miles=
 |range nmi=6000
 |range note=
 |combat range km=
 |combat range miles=
 |combat range nmi=
 |combat range note=
 |ferry range km=
 |ferry range miles=
 |ferry range nmi=
 |ferry range note=
 |endurance=Over 40 hours
 |ceiling m=12,200
 |ceiling ft=40,000
 |ceiling note=
 |g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
 |roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
 |glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
 |climb rate ms=
 |climb rate ftmin=
 |climb rate note=
 |time to altitude=
 |sink rate ms=<!-- sailplanes -->
 |sink rate ftmin=<!-- sailplanes -->
 |sink rate note=
 |lift to drag=
 |wing loading kg/m2=
 |wing loading lb/sqft=
 |wing loading note=
 |disk loading kg/m2=
 |disk loading lb/sqft=
 |disk loading note=
 |fuel consumption kg/km=
 |fuel consumption lb/mi=
 |power/mass=
 |thrust/weight=

 |more performance=
* '''Operational altitude:'''
<!--    Armament
-->
 |armament=
* 9 hardpoints
**1 centreline hardpoint
**8 wing hardpoints
**
* Up to ten air to ground Brimstone missile can be carried or {{convert|500|lb|kg|abbr=on}} Paveway IV laser-guided bombs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/protector-rg-mk-1-mq-9b/|title=Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B) &#124; Royal Air Force|accessdate=30 April 2023}}</ref>
 |guns= 
 |bombs= 
 |rockets= 
 |missiles= 
 |hardpoints=
 |hardpoint capacity=
 |hardpoint rockets=
 |hardpoint missiles=
 |hardpoint bombs=
 |hardpoint other=

 |avionics=
* AN/DAS-1 MTS-B Multi-Spectral Targeting System<ref name="auto"/>
* AN/APY-8 Lynx II radar<ref name="auto3"/>
* Optional mission kits 
** Multi-mode 360° maritime surface search radar
** Automatic Identification System (AIS)
** Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
** Tactical and strategic SIGINT
** Tactical data link (Link-16)
** Airborne Early Warning (AEW)
** Communications gateway / relay
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
 |see also=<!-- other related articles that have not already linked: -->
* [[Social:Drone strikes in Pakistan|Drone strikes in Pakistan]] (during the 2000s War on Terror)—usually attributed to either the MQ-1 or MQ-9
* [[Engineering:Measurement and signature intelligence|Measurement and signature intelligence]]
 |related=<!-- designs which were developed into or from this aircraft: -->
* [[Engineering:General Atomics Avenger|General Atomics Avenger]] (formerly Predator C)
* [[Engineering:General Atomics MQ-1 Predator|General Atomics MQ-1 Predator]]
* [[Engineering:General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle|General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle]]
* General Atomics Mojave
 |similar aircraft=<!-- aircraft that are of similar role, era, and capability as this design: -->
* [[Engineering:Elbit Hermes 900|Elbit Hermes 900]]
* [[Engineering:BAE Systems Mantis|BAE Systems Mantis]]
* [[Engineering:Baykar Bayraktar Akıncı|Baykar Bayraktar Akıncı]]
* [[Engineering:IAI Eitan|IAI Eitan]]
* [[Engineering:CAIG Wing Loong II|CAIG Wing Loong II]]
*[[Engineering:Shahed 149 Gaza|Shahed 149 Gaza]]
 |lists=<!-- relevant lists that this aircraft appears in: -->
* List of active United States military aircraft
* [[Engineering:List of unmanned aerial vehicles|List of unmanned aerial vehicles]]
<!-- See WP:Air/PC for more explanation of these fields. -->
}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
*''This article contains material that originally came from the web article [https://web.archive.org/web/20121110013056/http://www.vectorsite.net/twuav.html ''Unmanned Aerial Vehicles''] by Greg Goebel, which exists in the public domain.''

==External links==
* [http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104470/mq-9-reaper.aspx MQ-9 Predator Factsheet on U.S. Air Force site]
* [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/FactSheets/Display/tabid/509/Article/196042/general-atomics-aeronautical-systems-ymq-9-reaper.aspx General Atomics Aeronautical Systems YMQ-9 Reaper] – National Museum of the United States Air Force
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101122084244/http://www.defense-update.com/products/p/predatorB.htm MQ-9 "Reaper" Predator B UAV] Defense-Update.com
* [http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app2/q-9.html General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper (Predator B)], Designation-Systems.net

{{General Atomics aircraft}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:MQ-09 Reaper}}
[[Category:Airborne military robots]]
[[Category:Signals intelligence]]
[[Category:Single-engined pusher aircraft]]
[[Category:Synthetic aperture radar]]

{{Sourceattribution|General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper}}