The US Marines will leave the MQ-9 drones in Okinawa for a long time — this is not just an exercise

Six MQ-9 Reapers remain in Okinawa

The US Marine Corps has officially announced that six MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance drones, which have been based at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa since August 2024, will remain in place — and not for a couple of weeks, but indefinitely. This is not another temporary deployment. This is a signal: the United States is strengthening its presence in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, and it is doing so with the help of drones that see everything.

These vehicles are assigned to the 3rd Squadron of unmanned aerial vehicles (VMU-1) of the 24th Marine Aviation Group, part of the 1st Aviation Wing.

Drones from Kadena — the eyes of Marines in the Pacific Ocean

The MQ-9 Reaper is not just a camera in the sky. It is a heavy reconnaissance drone with the possibility of round-the-clock patrolling, capable of staying in the air for up to 27 hours. It is equipped with powerful optics, radar systems and can carry weapons. From Okinawa, he controls not only the waters around Japan, but also the approaches to Taiwan, the East China Sea, and southern China.

From now on, these drones will operate from Kadena all the time, which dramatically increases operational readiness and reduces reaction time.

Typhon in Iwakuni is not just a launcher, but a signal

At the same time, in September, the Typhon missile system is being deployed at the Marine Corps Air Base in Iwakuni and in the surrounding areas. She will take part in the Resolute Dragon exercises (September 11-25). Typhon is not just a replacement for old systems: It is a mobile complex capable of launching both anti-ship missiles and long-range ballistic targets.

Its deployment in Japan — for the first time — shows that the United States is ready to act at a great distance from its bases. And they do it on the territory of an ally.

Agreement with Japan: now we fly together

The decision to abandon drones and deploy Typhon was made possible by an agreement reached in July 2024 between the United States and Japan at the level of defense and foreign ministers. The parties agreed to expand cooperation in the field of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).

Data from the MQ-9 can now be shared with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. It's not just coordination, it's a unified surveillance network that makes the region more transparent to allies and more dangerous to potential adversaries.

Sources

1. Stars and Stripes — U.S. Marine Corps extends MQ-9 Reaper deployment at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa.
2. Asianews.network — confirmation of up to six MQ-9s at Kadena to bolster surveillance over the Nansei Islands.
3. Newsweek — U.S. lengthens Okinawa Reaper mission amid rising tensions and regular East China Sea patrols.
4. USNI News — Typhon missile system deployed at MCAS Iwakuni for Resolute Dragon exercises (11–25 Sep), the first of its kind in Japan.

Five military robots with artificial intelligence already used on the battlefield

 The five military robots with artificial intelligence already in use on the battlefield include:

1. The MQ-9 Reaper is an American attack drone used by the US Air Force and Navy, as well as the armies of Great Britain, Italy, France and other countries. It is capable of carrying out reconnaissance missions and striking with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and bombs with laser or GPS guidance. The MQ-9 Reaper works autonomously and allows you to make lightning-fast decisions without delay from the operator, significantly reducing the risk to soldiers and increasing the effectiveness of combat missions. Its first flight took place in 2001, it has been in operation since 2007, and flight autonomy reaches 14-27 hours, depending on the modification. As of 2018, there were approximately 222 such devices in the US Air Force.

2. Uran-9 is a Russian combat robot with artificial intelligence designed for combat operations in urban and suburban areas. It is equipped with various weapons and surveillance systems.

3. THeMIS is a robotic platform used for combat, reconnaissance and support missions. The main application is infantry support and dangerous missions.

4. Indian Robotic Mule is a robotic truck or porter that helps transport goods and performs auxiliary functions on the battlefield.

5. Goalkeeper CIWS is an automatic air defense system that includes artificial intelligence elements to identify and defeat aerial targets with high reaction speed.

These AI-powered robots make it possible to process sensor data, avoid threats, and operate as efficiently as possible in combat, which marks a new era in warfare. Every year, more and more countries are expanding the use of such systems for various combat, border and auxiliary tasks, reducing risks to people and improving the operational capabilities of the army. AI in military robots allows you to make split-second decisions when time is critical.

The US MQ-9 drone completed a mission deep in Mexico

The MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), owned by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), recently completed an operational mission deep in Mexico. This incident became the subject of discussion in the context of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fight against organized crime.

The MQ-9 Guardian, a modification of the Reaper designed for maritime patrol and surveillance, was deployed as part of an operation to identify and track the activities of Mexican drug cartels. The flight took place in one of the regions traditionally used by criminal gangs to transport drugs, including the route through the southern states of Mexico to the border with the United States.

It is reported that the mission was conducted in close coordination with the Mexican authorities. The use of a drone on their territory became possible under a special agreement on joint control of cross-border criminal activity. Such operations provide real-time intelligence, including high-definition video surveillance and radar monitoring.

This case coincided with the intensification of the Donald Trump administration's campaign against drug cartels, which included increased border controls, pressure on the Mexican government and the expansion of the powers of law enforcement agencies. The use of advanced technologies such as the MQ-9 has become a key element of this strategy.

However, such actions cause periodic discussions about the sovereignty and rules for the use of drones in the airspace of other States, even if there is a bilateral agreement.

MQ-9 Reaper: an American drone that strikes and spies

MQ—9 Reaper

One of the most famous military drones in the world is the MQ—9 Reaper, or "Reaper" in our language. This is not just a drone, but a whole flying complex for reconnaissance and strike. It was developed by the American company General Atomics, and since then it has become the basis of the strike fleet in many countries.

What's inside?

This is a serious machine: the take—off weight is almost 4.7 tons, the payload is up to 1,700 kg of combat cargo. It flies for a long time — from 14 hours with a weapon, and if without it, then up to 30 hours (this is a version called "Altair") .  

His speed is decent — up to 480 km/ h, but usually flies at  280-300 km / h. The height depends on the modification: the Altair can climb up to 15 km, and the combat Reaper — up to 8 km.  

The engine is a 776 hp Honeywell TPE331, which allows it to be both fast and maneuverable. The cost of such a miracle is about $30 million apiece.

How is it managed?

The UAV takes off from a regular runway. It is operated by a two-person crew: a pilot and a system operator. During takeoff and landing, everything is done manually, and then the autopilot turns on, which receives commands via satellites from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada.

However, the signal is delayed by about 1.5 seconds, but this is normal for such distances. The control is carried out using the Block 50 GCS station, where you can fully transfer control of the car to the pilot, and the operator can only shoot.

An interesting fact: the ability to fully "transfer control" was first used back in 2019, as in a real flight simulator.

Armed with what?

The "Reaper" can carry:

- AN/AAS-52 multispectral camera— sees both day and night, and even highlights targets with a laser.

- Lynx II radar — maps the area and detects targets on the ground.

- Protection systems: warns of enemy radars and launches false targets (MALD).

- AGM-114 Hellfire missiles are precise weapons against armored vehicles and manpower.

- Paveway, JDAM and GBU-12/38 bombs — high accuracy and minimal damage to the surroundings.

- Even AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles can work on aerial targets.

How is it applied?

The MQ-9 was actively used in Afghanistan and Iraq, monitored sea pirates in the Indian Ocean, and also patrolled the US border with Mexico. Currently, the drone is in service not only with the United States, but also with Great Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Turkey, France and even Japan.

By the way, NASA also uses this device, but not for war, but for scientific research. So the Reaper is not only a killer, but also a scientist.

How to deliver and use?

The drone is transported on large C-17A transporters, and it can be deployed in just 8 hours — to organize a control center, prepare a place and send it into the air. That is, mobility is at an altitude.

In general, the MQ-9 Reaper is one of the most versatile and combat—ready drones in the world. He can scout, hit accurately, and work remotely. No wonder he's so loved all over the world.

General Atomics confirms the development of an aerial laser for MQ-9 drones

General Atomics has officially confirmed the existence of a new program aimed at creating airborne laser weapons for MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles. The program was presented at the Sea Air Space 2025 exhibition and is part of a joint initiative of the US Department of Defense. Its goal is to equip the MQ-9 fleet, which is in service with the US Air Force and Marine Corps, with advanced laser weapons.

The MQ-9 Reaper has long established itself as a reliable drone capable of performing surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. However, the integration of on-board laser weapons can significantly expand its capabilities. Laser weapons will allow drones to effectively destroy air and ground targets with high accuracy and minimal resource expenditure.

The program is aimed at developing compact and powerful laser systems that can be installed on the MQ-9 without significant design changes. This will make it possible to use drones to counter enemy drones, destroy lightly armored vehicles, and even protect against missile attacks.

Onboard lasers have a number of advantages over traditional weapons. They provide almost instant destruction of targets, do not require ammunition and can be used repeatedly. In addition, laser weapons reduce the risk of collateral damage, as they allow precise focus on specific objects.

For the US Air Force and Marine Corps, the introduction of this technology will be an important step in modernizing their fleet. Drones with laser weapons will be able to perform tasks that were previously unavailable for standard weapons systems.

The development of airborne laser weapons for the MQ-9 reflects the United States' desire to maintain technological leadership in the field of weapons. In the face of the growing threat from drones and other high-tech enemy assets, lasers are becoming a key element of modern defense.

The successful implementation of the program could set a precedent for equipping other types of aircraft, including fighter jets and transport aircraft, with laser weapons. It also demonstrates the Pentagon's willingness to invest in innovative solutions to counter future threats.

Despite the promising prospects, the program faces a number of technical and financial challenges. The main issues remain the energy efficiency of lasers, their weight, and their ability to operate in various weather conditions. However, the success of General Atomics in developing similar systems such as HELIOS (High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical dazzler and Surveillance) is encouraging.

The completion of the program and the start of deliveries of laser weapons for the MQ-9 is expected in the coming years. This event may become a turning point in the development of unmanned technologies and change the rules of modern warfare.