During the exercise, MQ-9 Reapers operated from a dirt airstrip, with a minimal support team from the 1st Special Operations Mission Sustainment Team (SOMST) providing rapid refuelling, rearming, and launch capabilities. These operations were remotely managed from Hurlburt Field, Florida, more than 1,100 miles away, underscoring the versatility of the MQ-9 as a remotely piloted intelligence, surveillance, and strike platform.
The trials validated the MQ-9’s ability to perform critical missions in environments lacking extensive infrastructure, highlighting its capability to take off and land on unpaved runways while supported by a streamlined team. This adaptability aligns with ACE’s objectives of decentralised operations and rapid deployment, ensuring that forces can function effectively even in high-threat or resource-scarce scenarios.
“In future conflicts, we may not have the luxury of relying solely on main operating bases,” said the 1st SOMST flight commander. “Operating in austere environments anytime, anyplace, and anywhere is critical. It enables commanders to have options—something essential for special operations forces.”
Typically requiring paved runways and extensive maintenance teams, the MQ-9 demonstrated during Reaper Castillo that a lighter logistical footprint is feasible without compromising operational effectiveness. The exercise showcased how smaller teams can generate missions closer to the battlefield, enhancing the aircraft’s range, lethality, and strategic value.
The MQ-9’s ability to function in austere conditions supports its role in the ACE framework, emphasising flexibility and resilience through dispersal across multiple, often remote, locations. This capability ensures the MQ-9 remains a critical asset in modern military operations, enabling missions in areas too dangerous for manned aircraft.
“Reaper Castillo 24 is more than an exercise; it’s a step forward for Air Force Special Operations Command,” said Lt. Col. Kurtis Paul, commander of the 65th Special Operations Squadron (SOS). “It reflects years of innovation and paves the way for the next generation of MQ-9 operations, pushing the platform beyond conventional means.”
The data and lessons learned from the exercise will inform future iterations, with teams committed to refining and expanding MQ-9 operational concepts. As the Air Force continues to adapt to emerging technologies and evolving threats, exercises like Reaper Castillo exemplify the forward-thinking approach necessary to unlock the full potential of the MQ-9.
