Remotely piloted air system with surveillance and strike capability.
The Reaper was a remotely piloted aircraft used for ISTAR and attack missions, equipped with advanced sensors and over-the-horizon satellite control. Operated by a remote crew and supported by in-theatre teams, it provided critical intelligence and targeting capabilities to complementing RAF crewed platforms.
Former Role
The RAF began its use of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) by embedding UK personnel with US teams at Creech Air Force Base. No 39 Squadron became the first RAF RPAS squadron, operating the MQ-9A Reaper continuously from 2007 until its disbandment in 2022. Since 2012 to 2025, No XIII Squadron, based at RAF Waddington, conducted all Reaper missions. The RAF now recognises RPAS crews' critical combat contributions, awarding Operational Service Medals for their work on Operation Shader and acknowledging Reaper Mission Intelligence Coordinators as "Airborne Specialists" alongside crewed platform personnel.
Technical Specifications
Specifications
Technical Specifications
Specifications
Technical Specifications
Weapon Systems
Technical Specifications
Sensors
Capability
Reaper crews combined data from multiple sensors to provide commanders with vital intelligence. This enhanced decision-making, protected ground forces, and enabled precise strikes when needed. Nos 39 and XIII Squadrons have logged nearly 150,000 flight hours on Operations HERRICK and SHADER.
History of the Reaper (MQ-9A)
The US military began using UAVs (drones) for intelligence gathering in the 1960s, with significant development starting in 1984 under the Amber program. This led to the creation of the Gnat 750, which, after General Atomics acquired the manufacturer, evolved into the MQ-1 Predator in 1994. The Predator was initially used for surveillance, and by 2000, it was weaponised with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.
In 2007, the more powerful MQ-9A Reaper entered service, designed for both surveillance and strike missions. The RAF started operating Reapers in 2007, initially through 39 Squadron at Creech Air Force Base, and later with XIII Squadron at RAF Waddington.
Despite plans for Reaper's retirement in 2015, the aircraft remained in service for operations like Shader. In 2016, the UK selected the Protector, a more advanced version of the Predator B, to replace the Reaper, with plans to acquire over 20 aircraft and new ground control systems.
Retired from RAF service in Oct 2025, Reaper has been succeeded by Protector.
