The Marine Corps sent a unit of MQ-9A Reaper drones to the Philippines to support reconnaissance operations in the South China Sea.

The Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1, based out of Arizona under the command of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, deployed multiple MQ-9A Reapers this month. USNI News first reported the deployment. The drones are unarmed and are being sent in support of Philippine security efforts, following increased tension in the contested maritime region, where China has claimed disputed territory.

“The temporary stationing of unarmed MQ-9As to the Philippines demonstrates mutual commitment to improving the collective maritime security and supports our common goal for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the Marine Corps said in a statement to outlets regarding the deploymen

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