The new MQ-9A will support operational testing and evaluation by VMX-1, contributing to the development of Marine Aviation tactics, techniques, and procedures. It forms a key component of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) as the Corps expands its use of unmanned systems.
“The Marine Corps is building out its ISR capabilities with this new aircraft,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We are excited to see what VMX-1 does in terms of operational test in preparation for pushing new capabilities into the field.”
The MQ-9A ER is equipped with field-retrofittable upgrades including wing-borne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear, enabling more than 30 hours of flight time. It supports persistent surveillance through Full-Motion Video and a range of radar capabilities including Synthetic Aperture Radar and Maritime Mode Radar.
With a fault-tolerant flight control system and triple-redundant avionics, the MQ-9A ER is engineered to surpass the reliability standards of manned aircraft. Its advanced systems make it a robust platform for extended missions and complex operational environments.
GA-ASI has now delivered 18 MQ-9A units to the USMC. Two additional aircraft are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025.
