PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Navy’s MQ-9 Reaper test squadron at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River received its first SkyTower II (STII) pod on Feb. 25, 2025, marking a key milestone in preparing the system for initial operational capability (IOC) in 2026. The Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (UX) 24 conducted initial power-on checks that day, beginning the integration of this advanced network extension pod into the MQ-9 Reaper platform. The delivery sets the stage for rigorous testing over the coming months, aimed at enhancing communication capabilities for the U.S. Marine Corps and joint forces.
The STII pod, developed in collaboration with GALT Aerospace, a small business prime vendor, is designed to extend airborne networking and improve cross-domain communications. It links disparate forces, enabling real-time data sharing critical to the MQ-9 Reaper’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission. “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 to rapidly develop this unique capability using middle-tier acquisition, accelerating innovation for the warfighter. With robust system and integration testing now underway, we remain on track to achieve initial operating capability this year, delivering critical capability to the U.S. Marine Corps and the joint forces.”
The middle-tier acquisition process, a streamlined approach authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act, has allowed the program to bypass traditional development timelines, shaving years off the schedule. According to the Department of Defense, this method prioritizes rapid prototyping and fielding for systems like STII, which Monagle noted is vital for meeting evolving operational needs in contested environments.
In late February, UX-24 also completed a fit check of the MQ-9 Reaper in NAVAIR’s large anechoic chamber at Pax River, a facility used to test electromagnetic compatibility. The team hoisted the aircraft—a first for the program—conducting risk-reduction tests to ensure safe suspension while maintaining power, cooling, and satellite connectivity. These checks confirmed the aircraft’s ability to sustain communications, command, and control functions, laying groundwork for future program efforts. “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.”
Over the next several months, UX-24 will conduct final test events, including system integration and flight trials, before delivering upgraded MQ-9s to the fleet. The Marine Corps’ VMU-3 squadron, currently operating MQ-9s in theater, will be the first to deploy with STII in 2026. Based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, VMU-3 supports operations across the Indo-Pacific, where the Reaper’s long-range ISR capabilities are vital for maritime domain awareness and expeditionary advanced base operations.
The MQ-9 Reaper, built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is a remotely piloted aircraft with a 66-foot wingspan and a range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles. It provides persistent surveillance and strike capabilities, making it a cornerstone of Marine Corps operations in contested environments. The addition of STII enhances its role by enabling secure, tactically relevant data sharing among ground, air, and naval forces—a need underscored by the Pentagon’s 2022 National Defense Strategy, which emphasizes integrated deterrence in multi-domain operations.
Located along the Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Pax River is home to NAVAIR’s testing infrastructure, including the anechoic chamber, one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. The facility’s controlled environment ensures systems like STII can operate without interference, a critical step before deployment. The base has a long history of advancing naval aviation, hosting squadrons like UX-24, which specializes in unmanned systems testing.
The STII program reflects broader trends in military innovation. A 2024 report from the Congressional Research Service notes that unmanned aerial systems like the MQ-9 are increasingly central to U.S. defense strategy, with investments in networking capabilities like STII aimed at maintaining an edge in contested regions. For the Marines, this upgrade aligns with their Force Design 2030 initiative, which prioritizes distributed operations and interoperability.
As testing progresses, the focus remains on delivering a reliable system to VMU-3 and beyond. The successful integration of STII could set a precedent for future upgrades to the Reaper fleet, reinforcing its role in joint force missions.
