Reaper drones poised for upgrade with mini cruise missiles
The MQ-9A Reaper drones could gain new capabilities thanks to small cruise missiles, allowing them to carry out operations similar to fighter jets.
According to the portal Defense One in Tampa, Florida, during the SOF Week event organized by the Global SOF Foundation, Lieutenant General Michael Conley of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) under the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) presented the future vision for MQ-9A Reaper drones.
With the decreasing size of cruise missiles, older drones may gain capabilities similar to fighter jets. "If you could use a gunship, or an MQ-9, or an OA-1K [Skyraider II] that had a small cruise missile that could go four, five or 600 miles and hit a target, that seems like a capability that a combat commander could use," Conley said.
Miniature cruise missile — the path to success is not easy
AFSOC is working with Leidos to integrate the experimental Black Arrow cruise missile with the AC-130 aircraft. Tests were successfully completed in March, aligning with AFSOC's strategy of increasing efficiency without the need to purchase expensive new aircraft.
New technologies reduce the cost and complexity of weapons, opening the market to new missiles and manufacturers, including startups from Silicon Valley. However, integrating a new missile with Air Force aircraft requires unique competencies and relationships.
A Leidos representative emphasized that "Integrating [a cruise missile] on an operational aircraft, with the battle management system and testing on a government range with an AFSOC crew, is a far cry from testing on a leased aircraft for a demo. Many safety reviews and approvals are required."
Challenges and the future
AFSOC has traditionally operated against opponents with limited air defence capabilities, but the situation is changing. Even small groups, such as the Houthis in Yemen, are rapidly developing new strategies and tools to counter larger forces, as evidenced by their downing of several Reapers.
"We're looking closely at capabilities that the [People’s Republic of China] and Russia are developing. But over time, that technology proliferates. It's shared with other countries that we operate in or around. I think what we're seeing in the broader Yemen area right now is an indicator," Conley said.
Conley noted that the demand for AFSOC's participation in exercises in Asia and Europe is increasing, while the demand for missions with CENTCOM remains steady. This creates an urgent need to efficiently seek out and develop new capabilities in an economical manner.
