WILLEMSTAD:--- The unmanned reconnaissance aircraft MQ-9 Reaper will remain available till the 1st. of July next year, from airport Hato in Curaçao. This is done to prepare the Air Force personnel for heavier tasks and major operations. Secretary of State Christophe van der Maat made this known today during his visit to the Dutch Caribbean Region.
3 of the 4 purchased devices are situated since the beginning of this year in Curaçao. A 40-strong detachment then started the so-called test and evaluation phase. This is scheduled to expire in mid-December. After that, the staff continues to work on operational readiness.
The favorable weather conditions and availability of airspace were reasons to test the unmanned system on the island. Moreover, the device is already collecting intelligence information to support the (military) organizations in the Caribbean region.
Van der Maat: “Tremendous that the MQ-9 Reaper can be used for 6 months longer, to be able to sustain the Sea Forces Command in the Dutch Caribbean Region, as well as the Coastguard in the Dutch Caribbean Region. I personally heard how important the device with its sensor capacity is here, for amongst other things, the fight against organized crime. During the last period of time, the Air Force colleagues have done ample tests on unmanned aircraft. It is a good thing that they will be able to continue their training during the forthcoming 6 months.”
AirbaseLeeuwarden receives by mid-December the fourth device together with 2 so-called Ground Control Stations. Those are comparable with cockpits, but then on the ground. The aircraft will remain in storage for the time being. Both cockpits, as expected, next year will surely be operational. Then the devices above the Caribbean Region will also be controlled from Leeuwarden. The Friesland field will eventually offer shelter to all these technologically advanced systems. In addition to the current 4, there is another such amount. Those have already been ordered (https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2022/06/24/defensie-koopt-versneld-f-35s-en-mq-9-reapers).
De MQ-9 Reaper collects data and information from the sky. Thanks to satellite control, the device can be operated worldwide. The system is fully in line with the wishes of the Ministry of Defense, to operate based on information-driven military action.
