The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has decided to expand its procurement of MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft, doubling the initial order from four to eight aircraft.

In 2022, the RNLAF received the first four MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers along with their associated Ground Control Stations. These MQ-9A drones are developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).

Lieutenant-Colonel Jan Ruedisueli, the commander of RNLAF’s 306 squadron responsible for operating the new MQ-9A Reapers, explained the rationale behind the expansion, stating, “We are doubling the number of MQ-9A Reapers so we can enhance our maritime and overland intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (ISR) capabilities. The MQ-9As will be equipped with external pods for Electronic Intelligence, communications relay, Maritime Radar, and will also have the potential to be armed in the future.”

The delivery of the additional MQ-9As, as well as their Ground Control Stations and support equipment, is part of a USAF Foreign Military Sale to the RNLAF.

GA-ASI President David R. Alexander expressed excitement over the positive impact of the Dutch Reapers and highlighted the advancements in capabilities that the new set of MQ-9 Block 5 aircraft will bring to the Netherlands. “They have customized the Dutch MQ-9As to meet the Netherlands’ expanding mission set,” he added.

The MQ-9A Block 5 has an endurance of up to 27 hours, a top speed of 240 knots, and can operate at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet. With a payload capacity of 3,850 pounds (1,746 kilograms), it can carry 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms) of external stores. The drone offers persistent surveillance capabilities through Full-Motion Video and Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Radar. Engineered for reliability, MQ-9A Block 5 features a fault-tolerant flight control system and a triple redundant avionics system architecture, surpassing the reliability standards of manned aircraft.

Source: With agencies