U.S. Marine Corps MQ-9 Reapers Receive New Communication Upgrade

The U.S. Navy’s MQ-9 Reaper test squadron at Pax River has integrated the first SkyTower II pod, preparing for initial operational capability next year.

Air Test and Evaluation (UX) 24 loaded the SkyTower II pod onto the MQ-9 Reaper on February 25, performing initial power checks as part of the integration process. The pod is designed to enhance cross-domain communication and support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

Capt. Dennis Monagle, Multi-Mission Tactical UAS program manager, said the program collaborated with GALT, a small business prime vendor, over the past two years to develop the system using middle-tier acquisition methods.

The SkyTower II pod enables the MQ-9 Reaper to extend airborne network capabilities, allowing secure communication between different forces. This upgrade supports maritime domain awareness and expeditionary advanced base operations in contested environments.

UX-24 also conducted a fit check in the large anechoic chamber at Pax River, ensuring the aircraft can maintain power, cooling, and satellite communication during operations.

Final testing of the upgraded MQ-9 Reapers will continue over the next several months before they are delivered to the Marine Corps. VMU-3, which currently operates MQ-9s, will be the first to deploy with the new system in 2026.