As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, Kyiv is showing a heightened interest in acquiring MQ-9 Reaper drones from the United States, a move that could significantly bolster its reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. This interest aligns with Ukraine’s strategic shift towards enhancing its operational awareness and precision in identifying Russian positions on the battlefield.
Ukraine, which has already benefited from a wide array of Western-supplied military hardware, including HIMARS rocket systems and M1A1 Abrams tanks, sees the acquisition of the MQ-9 Reaper as the next step in its ongoing military modernization. The Reaper drone, with its sophisticated multimode electro-optical vision systems and communication technology, could provide a critical advantage in surveillance missions, essential for the kind of territorial warfare seen in the conflict.
The drones’ potential has not gone unnoticed by Kyiv, which, as per sources, has prioritized the system manufactured by General Atomics for attack, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. According to reports, Ukraine has adjusted its request, now focusing on using the Reapers primarily for reconnaissance purposes. This shift suggests an acute awareness of the tactical landscape and a prudent approach to managing the risks associated with operating these systems in contested airspace.
The possibility of the MQ-9 Reaper aiding in the coordination of ground and air assets is a key factor in this renewed interest. Its 25-hour endurance and ability to conduct surveillance from a safe altitude and distance could prove invaluable in tracking Russian ground movements and enhancing Ukraine’s tactical planning. The platform’s Raytheon Technologies’ electro-optical Multispectral Targeting System-B (MTS-B) turret can provide real-time intelligence, targeting, and tracking, which could inform missile crews and potentially guide course corrections in-flight.
Despite the apparent benefits, the transfer of these drones remains uncertain, with the United States expressing concerns that Russia could shoot down the Reapers. Such an event could not only provide Russia with sensitive information about the system but could also disrupt Ukraine’s reconnaissance efforts. It was emphasized that the fears of drones being shot down and falling into Russian hands have restrained the US Department of Defense from approving the transfer.
Nevertheless, the advocacy for these drones has bipartisan support in the US Congress, where members have called on the Pentagon to provide Ukraine with modern drone capabilities to counter Russian threats more effectively. The ongoing debate in the US hinges on balancing the strategic advantages for Ukraine against the potential risks associated with such a transfer.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Reapers already patrolling the Black Sea could be among the assets considered for this acquisition. However, questions remain about whether the US would transfer units from its own inventory or authorize the use of those already in operation.
Relevant articles:
– After the F-16s, Ukraine seeks to advance in the acquisition of MQ-9 Reaper drones from the United States , Zona Militar, 05/07/2024
– Ukraine Bets On Reaper-ATACMS Pairing To Push Back Russian Military; Will US Approve MQ-9 Sale To Kyiv?, EurAsian Times, 05/05/2024
– Kyiv’s top priority in military aid is MQ-9 Reaper drone – Politico, Ukrainska Pravda, 05/04/2024
– Indian MQ-9B ‘Predators’ To Keep An Eye On China; Ukraine War Shows ISR Drones Can Wreak Havoc On Enemies, EurAsian Times, 05/06/2024