Drones are on the rise over South China Sea with shift to data-driven strategies
Experts weigh the merits and limits of growing pivot in the region to uncrewed aircraft and the potential for 24/7 patrols
The MQ-9As were unarmed and would be used only for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, a corps spokesman said, without elaborating on the number of drones involved, according to USNI News, a media outlet under the US Naval Institute.
“The temporary stationing of unarmed MQ-9As to the Philippines demonstrates mutual commitment to improving the collective maritime security and supports our common goal for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The MQ-9 Reaper, with its array of advanced sensors, made its debut in 2001 and can operate for more than 27 hours over land or sea, reaching heights of up to 15,240 metres (50,000 feet).
With a 1,746kg (3,850lbs) payload capacity that includes 1,361kg of external stores, the MQ-9 is suitable for a range of operations, including search and rescue as well as close air support and precision strikes.