The US Navy’s MQ-9 Reaper test squadron at Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River has taken delivery of the first SkyTower II (STII) pod.
This is a step towards achieving initial operational capability scheduled for next year.
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The Air Test and Evaluation (UX) 24 team installed the new pod onto the aircraft last month and performed initial power-on checks, marking the beginning of the integration process of this new capability into the aircraft platform.
The STII is an airborne network extension pod designed to improve cross-domain communication capabilities.
It facilitates links between different forces, supporting the MQ-9 Reapers’ operational mission by providing tactically relevant operational communications and data-sharing abilities.
This technology executes the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) concept of operations.
In late February 2025, UX-24 also conducted a fit check of the MQ-9 inside the large anechoic chamber at Pax River.
The team carried out multiple tests and, for the first time, hoisted the aircraft as part of a risk reduction strategy for upcoming programme efforts.
These tests confirmed the aircraft could be safely suspended while maintaining power, cooling, and satellite communication links necessary for command and control.
Over the coming months, UX-24 will carry out final test events before the upgraded MQ-9s are delivered to the fleet.
MQ-9 government flight test director Lauren Lawson said: “The team has been able to accomplish a lot of work in a very compressed timeline by developing and executing these test plans for the chamber event and STII testing.
“The dedication shown and technical challenges they’ve overcome to conduct this critical testing to help develop the best product possible to support the marines is truly commendable.”
Marine Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3, which is currently operating MQ-9s in theatre, will be the first unit to deploy with the new system in 2026.
The MQ-9 Reaper provides the US Marines Corps (USMC) with an extended-range ISR capability for maritime domain awareness and expeditionary base operations in contested areas.
In 2022, the US Navy granted contracts worth $8.4m to three industry partners for the development of new systems for the USMC MQ-9 Reaper aircraft.
The partners in this development are Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Technologies, and Global Air Logistics and Training.
