May 14, 2026 4:06 AM
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and the US Air Force have pushed the MQ-9 Reaper drone deeper into the precision-strike role with successful tests involving APKWS laser-guided rockets.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and the US Air Force have pushed the MQ-9 Reaper drone deeper into the precision-strike role with successful tests involving APKWS laser-guided rockets.
The tests included multiple firing profiles, including engagements against aerial targets, with MQ-9A crews successfully launching the rockets using a specialized launcher system.
Conducted at the Nevada Test and Training Range, the effort moved rapidly from concept development to integration and live flight testing, highlighting the push to field new counter-drone capabilities faster.
Read the full story on NextGen Defense: MQ-9 Reaper Tests New Rocket Capability Against Airborne Targets
Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance•autonomous systems•United States•laser weapons•autonomous aerial vehicle•MQ-9A Reaper•airborne laser weapon
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