Korean media: The US has常态化 deployed the "Airborne Assassin" MQ-9 drone on the Korean Peninsula

¬ U.S. 7th Air Force establishes an "Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron" in Gunsan

According to a report on the 29th, the U.S. Forces in South Korea have permanently stationed the MQ-9 "Reaper" multi-purpose drone, known as the "Airborne Assassin," at the Gunsan Air Base and established an "Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron" centered around it.

On that day, the U.S. 7th Air Force issued a press release stating that the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron composed of MQ-9 drones was established at the Gunsan Air Base, and the unit is commanded by Major Douglas J. Slater (Commanding Officer).

The MQ-9 had previously made temporary visits to South Korea for training purposes, but this is the first time that a permanent deployment and operation of a unit has been established on the Korean Peninsula.

The 7th Air Force stated, "The establishment of the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron once again demonstrates the firm commitment of the United States to maintaining peace and security on the Korean Peninsula," and "the MQ-9 will support the joint important missions of South Korea and the United States in the fields of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance across the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing the joint combat capabilities to respond to threats and new situations, and further strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance."

It is reported that the MQ-9 deployed at the Gunsan base is responsible for monitoring North Korea, and may also participate in monitoring tasks targeting China's strengthened presence in the West Sea.

In general, the MQ-9 Reaper is considered an asset for deterring North Korea, responsible for executing "targeted strikes" such as eliminating the North Korean leadership and removing the sources of provocation. This is because it is known as the "Reaper" and "Airborne Assassin," with strong "unmanned attack aircraft" characteristics. The MQ-9 Reaper can carry Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, laser and GPS-guided bombs, and perform precision strikes or fire support missions. In January 2020, the U.S. military used an MQ-9 to assassinate Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani.

Additionally, the MQ-9 Reaper is an asset for collecting intelligence. Observers believe that this deployment is also aimed at responding to China's expansion in the West Sea. The MQ-9 Reaper can hover at an altitude of up to 50,000 feet for 14 hours and conduct surveillance and reconnaissance around the clock using high-performance synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and infrared detection equipment. It can also perform surveillance and reconnaissance tasks under adverse weather conditions around the clock.

The publicly announced operational range of the MQ-9 is approximately 1,100 kilometers. Based on the Gunsan Air Base, the MQ-9's operational range can cover major cities in eastern China.

Source: Chosun Ilbo

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844674801740810/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.