Air Force MQ-9 downs aerial targets with cheap air-to-air missiles

Air Force MQ-9 downs aerial targets with cheap air-to-air missiles

The Reaper demo is part of the service’s quest for cost-effective defense against inexpensive drones.

USAF tests Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System using MQ-9A

The United States Air Force (USAF) together with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) have conducted flight tests of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) using a MQ-9A Reaper. On May 11, 2026, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems said the remotely piloted MQ-9A Reaper was deployed recently at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) in the presence of Department of War stakeholders and industry partners. “The demonstration…

MQ-9 Reaper Fires Laser-Guided Rockets In Tests

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GA-ASI and U.S. Air Force Test APKWS Guided Rockets on MQ-9A Reaper

GA-ASI and the U.S. Air Force tested the MQ-9A Reaper with APKWS laser-guided rockets, firing at both air and ground targets at the Nevada Test and Training Range. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has announced a test in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force which saw the MQ-9A Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) employing Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guided rockets. The company said the testing took place recently …

GA-ASI and USAF Demonstrate APKWS on MQ-9A Reaper®

San Diego – 11 May2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force (USAF), has conducted flight tests of an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) using a USAF MQ-9A Reaper® Remotely Piloted Aircraft. MQ-9A is produced by GA-ASI. The testing took place recently at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR). The demonstration featured multiple types and variations of shot profiles, includi…