Unmanned Squadron in Hawaii Will Receive First of 8 Aircraft by 2024

The Navy’s Air Systems Command awarded a $135.8 million contract to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for 8 brand new MQ-9A Extended Range uncrewed aircraft, slated for delivery by the end of 2023.

The order adds the most updated, modern rendition of the longstanding MQ-9A, with enhanced range, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities vital for use by the Marine Expeditionary Force. The MQ-9 ER in particular boasts up to 34 hours of endurance, adding more capability over the older MQ-9s already in service. 

The new aircraft are a part of the ongoing effort of Marine Corps Force Design 2030, which will transition Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron VMU-3 over to MQ-9 operations at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The unit will use the new ER models to support training for the Marine Littoral Regiment.

The Multi-Mission Tactical UAS program office, manager over the Marine’s MQ-9A program overall, completed the contract under the Air Force’s Agile Reaper Enterprise Solution, resulting in a 5-year, fixed, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract. 

“Our team has ensured the development and fielding of a new combat capability, critical for the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 vision, at an exceptional speed,” said Captain Dennis Monagle, program manager at the unit responsible for getting the ball rolling on the contract. Since the program’s start in 2018, his program office has sped up the process of fielding of MQ-9As in naval service, cutting “3 to 5 years of traditional acquisition efforts.

Since placing the first aircraft into service with VMU 1, more than 15,000 operational flight hours have been flown.

The MQ-9A ER will continue operations in the same vein, with even greater capability for network extension, intelligence gathering, recon, and targeting.

FMI: www.navair.navy.mil