Exercise Reaper Castillo pathfinds MQ-9 capabilities in austere environments
A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron Mission Sustainment Team watches as an MQ-9 Reaper prepares to land on an unprepared dirt surface at Melrose Air Force Range, New Mexico, Dec. 16, 2024. Exercise Reaper Castillo validated the MQ-9’s ability to conduct key operations in austere environments, including dirt-strip landings, refueling, rearming and rapid relaunch. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gracelynn Hess)