MQ-9’s long-range and extreme loitering time would offer a level of flexibility not really available in a tactical aircraft-sized package. As it sits now, Lockheed Martin’s stealthy AGM-158 JASSM and its anti-ship variant, LRASM, as well as Kongsberg-Raytheon’s Joint Strike Missile are being looked at as weapons options.
Summary
General Atomics is exploring a significant modification to the MQ-9 Reaper drone family, effectively converting these aircraft into platforms capable of carrying cruise missiles. This strategic shift leverages the drones existing capabilities for long-range operations and extended loitering times, offering tactical flexibility that traditional aircraft-sized packages often lack. The concept involves utilizing the MQ-9 as a delivery vehicle or truck for various guided munitions. Currently, several weapon systems are being evaluated as potential payloads for this repurposed platform. Among the options under consideration is Lockheed Martins stealthy AGM-158 JASSM and its anti-ship variant known as the LRASM. Additionally, Kongsberg-Raytheons Joint Strike Missile is being examined as a viable alternative. By integrating these advanced weapons onto the MQ-9 airframe, General Atomics aims to expand the operational utility of the drone beyond its current reconnaissance and strike roles. This approach allows for a versatile tactical asset that can persist in contested environments while delivering precision-guided ordnance over vast distances. The initiative highlights an evolving trend in unmanned aerial systems where endurance and range become primary advantages when paired with modern missile technology.
