France completes transition to MQ-9A Reaper Block 5
In January 2025, the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (AAE, French Air and Space Force) has completed its transition to the MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 Extended-Range (ER) unmanned aerial system (UAS), marking a major upgrade from the earlier Block 1 models.
Key Enhancements of the MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 ER:
- Extended Endurance and Range: The Block 5 ER variant offers up to 30 hours of flight endurance and a range of approximately 2,592 km - an improvement over the Block 1’s 24-hour endurance and 1,850 km range. These gains are enabled by wing-mounted fuel tanks, reinforced landing gear, winglets, and a four-bladed propeller.
- Advanced Payload Capabilities: The Reaper Block 5 ER can carry a range of payloads, including an electronic warfare pod, GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, and GBU-49 bombs.
- Enhanced Sensor Suite: Upgrades include improved video quality and connectivity, significantly enhancing real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
The photo, MQ-9A 532/33-EN, shows the Reaper carrying the General Atomics Sledgehammer, a high-powered electronic attack pod designed for communications denial and information operations.
The MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 ER is operated by the 33e Escadre de Surveillance, de Reconnaissance et d’Attaque (ESRA 33, 33rd Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Attack Wing) based at BA709 Cognac/Châteaubernard Air Base. In December 2024, these drones were authorised to operate within national airspace after a three-year certification process.
France has retired its fleet of six MQ-9 Reaper Block 1 drones, replacing them with the more advanced Block 5 ER models. Deliveries began in 2020, with additional units ordered to expand the fleet. In December 2024, France signed a USD 48,5 million contract with General Atomics for maintenance and sustainment, ensuring operational readiness.
The MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 ER plays a vital role in France’s aerial surveillance and strike capabilities, bridging the gap ahead of the Eurodrone programme's introduction.
Credit photo: Marc Heesters