The U.S. Marine Corps’ MQ-9 Reaper fleet is set to receive a major capability boost with the integration of the SkyTower II (STII) pod, enhancing cross-domain communication and data-sharing, according to a press release.
The first STII pod was delivered to the Navy’s MQ-9 Reaper test squadron at Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River (Pax River), Maryland, with initial power-on checks conducted on February 25 as part of preparations for Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2026.
The SkyTower II pod is designed to function as an airborne network extension, improving communication between disparate forces and supporting Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The system will enable tactically relevant operational communications, expanding the MQ-9’s ability to connect forces across different domains in contested environments.
“The program is excited to deliver SkyTower II for testing, marking a major milestone in our development journey,” said Capt. Dennis Monagle, Multi-Mission Tactical UAS program manager. “Over the past two years, we’ve partnered with GALT, a small business prime vendor, to rapidly develop this unique capability using middle-tier acquisition, accelerating innovation for the warfighter.”
According to the release, VMU-3, a Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle squadron, is currently flying MQ-9s in operational theaters and will be the first unit to deploy with the new system in 2026.
As part of the integration process, Air Test and Evaluation (UX) 24 at Pax River fitted the MQ-9 with the new pod and conducted fit checks inside the base’s large anechoic chamber in late February. These tests included hoisting the aircraft for the first time, assessing its power and cooling systems, and verifying its satellite link for command and control.
The next phase of testing will involve final validation events before delivering the upgraded MQ-9s to operational units.
“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,” said Cmdr. Lauren Lawson, MQ-9 government flight test director.
“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.”
USDJ
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It is a platform UK is involved with.
There has been a lot of speculation about them being used off of QEC.
Whilst I don’t think there is enough ooomph for a proper radar it might be useful against drone swarms and a long look over the horizon for passive detection.
More than involved with, the RAF have been running them for nearly twenty years and are getting upgraded versions (Protector).
There is power for a proper radar, unless you mean full power AEW. I think there’s power enough for two radars: the small Lynx SAR built into body near the front that all MQ-9s get, and for a choice of maritime radars in a centerline pod: either an American Raytheon or the UK-built Leonardo Seaspray 7500E v2. The Seaspray is an updated version of the one we have on the Navy Wildcats, and are supposed to be getting on the Army ones. As far as I know the RAF have opted for neither centreline radar in the Protector upgrades and are just running with the Lynx radar for now. There are occasional discussions about getting the Seaspray and using Protector for maritime surveillance.
As for the carrier versions (MQ-9B STOL), time will tell. I saw a presentation a couple of years ago about the development of AEW underwing pods. I’m not holding my breath about that as a carrier option, but perhaps we could get them as a Wedgetail helper.
“There is power for a proper radar, unless you mean full power AEW”
Yes, I did mean full AEW.
Sure it will add something if these kind of platforms can fly out and form pickets up-threat even a less powerful radar would have utility.
But as a replacement for Crows Nest I’m dubious. As an adjunct to Crows Nest it would be useful.