Risky skies: Russian jet threatens French Reaper drone
On March 2, 2025, over the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet and a French MQ-9 Reaper drone were involved in an incident. According to Defense Romania, the Russian aircraft made three dangerous passes near the drone, potentially threatening its flight stability. The drone's cameras captured the incident.
The French Ministry of Defense confirmed that the Su-35's maneuvers were deliberate and could have led to the drone's loss of control. Defense Romania notes that Russia's actions are intended to limit freedom of movement in international airspace, which is part of Moscow's broader strategy.
Dangerous Russian maneuvers
Incidents involving Russian and Western aircraft are becoming more frequent. In 2023, there was a collision between an Su-27 and an American Reaper drone over the Black Sea, and in 2024, Su-35s conducted aggressive maneuvers near American drones over Syria.
It's important to remember that the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea is a key strategic area where the interests of many countries, including Russia, the USA, and France, converge. With a base in Syria, Russia is intensifying its presence, leading to increased tensions with the West.
French MQ-9 Reaper drones
The French armed forces regularly conduct missions over the Mediterranean Sea to ensure compliance with international law and stability in the region. MQ-9 Reaper drones are essential for these operations as they monitor the situation and protect strategic interests.
The MQ-9 Reaper is an American unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) produced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. It belongs to the MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) class, which means it can operate at medium altitudes for extended periods. The Reaper was designed as a successor to the earlier MQ-1 Predator model, offering significantly improved performance and combat capabilities.
The MQ-9 Reaper is approximately 11 metres long and has a wingspan of about 20 metres. It's powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine producing 950 horsepower. It can reach a maximum speed of about 480 km/h and a cruising speed between 280 and 310 km/h. The maximum operational altitude for this aircraft is around 15,240 metres, with standard missions conducted at about 7,500 metres. The drone can stay airborne for nearly 27 hours, and up to 20 hours when fully armed.
The MQ-9 Reaper features six weapon stations that can carry various combat systems, including AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, and GBU-38 JDAMs, allowing it to engage ground targets accurately.
France acquired MQ-9 Reaper drones in 2013 by signing a contract to deliver 12 Block 1 model aircraft. The transaction, valued at approximately 670 million euros, was completed through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program with the United States government. Deliveries began in 2013, and the first drones entered service in 2014.
French MQ-9 Reapers have been used in various operations, including reconnaissance and combat missions in North Africa and the Middle East. In 2024, France signed a contract to maintain its MQ-9 Reaper fleet, indicating ongoing commitment to their use until the introduction of the European Eurodrone system.
