![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/d15.jpg)
The modern battlefield is transforming, and the MQ-9 Reaper® drone is evolving with it.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/OIP-1-27.jpeg)
In a significant upgrade, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is enhancing the MQ-9A Reaper’s capabilities to ensure its resilience against the rapidly changing threats faced by U.S. and allied special operations forces.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/OIP-2-26.jpeg)
This development comes at a crucial time as the Reaper’s adaptability and functionality are essential for contemporary military operations.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/OIP-3-21.jpeg)
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., a renowned developer of remotely piloted aircraft, has embarked on a mission to further secure part of the Air Force’s fleet of MQ-9A Reapers.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/OIP-8-3.jpeg)
GA-ASI revealed on May 8, 2024, its collaboration with Shift5 to integrate the latter’s onboard cyber anomaly detection and predictive maintenance features.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/OIP-6-12.jpeg)
The necessity for these enhancements is underscored by recent events. Last month’s shooting down of a Reaper by the Houthis added to the tally of remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) lost to enemy fire in just a year.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/OIP-7-6.jpeg)
While invaluable in low-threat environments, the MQ-9’s vulnerability to even rudimentary anti-air defenses has become apparent.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/OIP-9-3.jpeg)
In response to these threats, David Alexander, president of GA-ASI, highlighted the firm’s commitment: “The next logical and immediate extension of our work in enabling the U.S. Air Force is empowering AFSOC and SOCOM with additional resiliency and survivability of the MQ-9A on the battlefield.”
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/R-1-36.jpeg)
He praised Shift5 as a new class of dual-use defense tech business that operates with agility and scale to make a significant impact for the warfighter.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/R-2-32.jpeg)
Josh Lospinoso, CEO and co-founder of Shift5, emphasized the importance of real-time data in the evolving battlefield landscape, which is increasingly incorporating remotely piloted, autonomous, and unmanned systems.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/R-3-27.jpeg)
He highlighted the partnership GA-ASI as a key strategy for AFSOC and SOCOM to access vital operational and cybersecurity insights efficiently, democratize data access, and uphold decision-making superiority.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/R-5-16.jpeg)
GA-ASI disclosed on May 9 that it is collaborating with USSOCOM and AFSOC to advance the development of a novel podded Airborne Battlespace Awareness and Defense (ABAD) capability.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/R-45-scaled.jpeg)
The connection between this new capability and the Self-Protection Pod (SPP) unveiled by the company in 2021 remains undisclosed.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/11-9.jpeg)
The ABAD pod is specifically tailored for integration into the AFSOC MQ-9A Block 5 Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance Tactical (MALET) Extended Range RPAs, offering enhanced detection and defense capabilities against Radio Frequency (RF) and Infrared (IR) threats.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1-11.jpeg)
GA-ASI is currently engaged in an engineering and testing initiative aimed at refining the ABAD pod as a deployable payload for operation on the MQ-9A platform by 2025.
Relevant articles:
– 9A Reaper® more resilient against cyber threats & anti, Breaking Defense
– MQ-9 Reaper Gets New Capabilities Against Cyber And Anti-Aircraft Threats, The Aviationist
– National Guard eyes UAS, air defense among 2024 priorities, DefenseScoop