The MQ-9A Reaper, the U.S. military’s unmanned aerial behemoth, will now be shielded against the rising threats of cyber warfare, thanks to a new partnership between General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Shift5.

This strategic collaboration is set to bolster the drone’s cybersecurity measures, granting superior protection and advanced maintenance capabilities to U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

The enhanced cybersecurity of the Reaper is poised to be a significant force multiplier, as articulated by GA-ASI President David R. Alexander: “Our partnership with Shift5 will empower AFSOC and SOCOM with a force multiplier for the Reaper’s resilience on the modern battlefield.”

Shift5’s expertise in onboard operational technology (OT) observability will afford the Reaper real-time cyber anomaly detection – a vital defense against adversaries seeking to disrupt its operations.

On the maintenance front, predictive capabilities will allow for timely anticipation of potential equipment failures, enabling proactive interventions to maintain mission readiness.

Josh Lospinoso, CEO and co-founder of Shift5, asserts that access to real-time data is central to maintaining an advantage with remotely piloted systems.

“Our work with GA-ASI represents one of the most efficient and effective ways that AFSOC and SOCOM can gain access to critical operational and cybersecurity insights,” Lospinoso explained.

Shift5’s credibility is underscored by its achievement as the first company to receive a cross-platform Authority to Operate (ATO) Certification from the U.S. Department of Defense, and its successful efforts in securing the U.S. Army’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

In light of recent events, the need for such enhancements is underscored. Three MQ-9 Reapers have been downed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels since November, as reported by a U.S. military official.

The drones, each valued at about $30 million, have been part of efforts to defend commercial and military ships against Houthi aggression in strategic waterways.

The vulnerability of the MQ-9 Reaper in combat zones has been exposed as the Houthi rebels continue to claim downing of the high-value targets.

In response, the U.S. has launched Operation Prosperity Guardian alongside over 20 partner nations to protect shipping lanes from Houthi incursions.

These ongoing efforts highlight the necessity for the Reaper’s new cyber defenses, ensuring it remains an indispensable asset for operations in volatile regions.

With the Reaper’s strategic importance reaffirmed by its role in recent military operations and its potential as a ‘Grunt Angel’ in the Pacific, the GA-ASI and Shift5 partnership fortifies not only the Reaper’s cyber and operational resilience but also the tactical advantage of U.S. Special Operations in the digital age.

The MQ-9A Reaper, now equipped to navigate the treacherous electronic landscape of modern warfare, remains a vigilant and more secure eye in the sky, supporting troops and missions that maintain global stability.

Relevant articles:
– The MQ-9A Reaper Drone Gets a Guardian Angel, SOFREP
– 3 U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones, worth about $30 million each, have crashed in or near Yemen since November, cbsnews.com
– This Air Force drone just proved it can be a ‘Grunt Angel’ in a war with China, Task & Purpose
– Mattis’ “Guardian Angel” and How Marine Corps Aviation Can Get Back on Target, War on the Rocks