MQ-9 Reaper transmitted target coordinates to F/A-18 Hornet fighters and AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft on the other side of the world

The United States Navy demonstrated the joint operation of the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle, the E-2D Hawkaeye long-range radar detection aircraft, the AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft and the F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft. The demonstration took place as part of exercise Neptune Strike 2023.

Here's What We Know

The US Navy has combined the capabilities of a drone and aircraft for long-range missile strikes. The drone detected the target and sent coordinates to the E-2D Hawkaeye. The long-range surveillance aircraft received the information and redirected it to the strike team.

The group consisted of Spanish AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft and American F/A-18 Hornet fighters. The aircraft flew to an area from which they were able to hit the target while remaining out of range of the opponent's air defence system.

The US Navy separately noted the performance of the MQ-9 Reaper drone. The drone was able to conduct reconnaissance and aerial scanning, due to which it was possible to obtain the exact coordinates of a simulated enemy. The service notes that the aircraft and the drone were at different ends of the globe.

After destroying the target, the US Navy was able to assess the effects of the missile strikes. The MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle camera helped them in this.

Source: DVIDS