T-SOAR Pods Render MQ-9 Reaper Drones Invisible to Enemy Radars.

The United States has further enhanced its defense technology with the introduction of a new electronic warfare pod on the MQ-9 Reaper drones operated by the Marine Corps. This device, known as T-SOAR (Scalable Open Architecture Reconnaissance), provides the drones with advanced electronic camouflage capabilities, rendering them nearly undetectable to enemy detection systems.
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A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper assigned to the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, flies above the flightline at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 1, 2021 (Picture source: US DoD)

General Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps, revealed during an event at the Brookings Institution that this pod can mimic and return enemy radar and communication emissions, effectively turning the drone into a "black hole," making it extremely difficult to detect. He noted that some features of the pod are classified.

Developed in partnership with General Atomics and L3Harris, the T-SOAR pod is an evolution of the SOAR system. Initially tested by the US Air Force in 2021 in the form of the Reaper Defense Electronic Support System, it allows for long-range detection and identification of radar and communication signals. The SOAR enables standoff surveillance, allowing MQ-9 drones and other aircraft to spot threats before they can see the aircraft.

The US Marine Corps plans to equip several of its 20 new MQ-9A Block 5 drones with this system, aiming to transform these platforms originally designed for combat missions into advanced intelligence and reconnaissance tools. These drones will primarily be used for communication relay, electronic warfare, maritime surveillance, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions in the Indo-Pacific region, with a particular focus on China.

The MQ-9 Reaper, an advanced remotely piloted aircraft, began its production journey in the early 2000s. Officially entering service with the U.S. Air Force in 2007, the MQ-9 was designed to provide improved capabilities over its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator. As of recent updates, several hundred MQ-9 Reapers have been produced, with active deployment across various U.S. military branches and sales to allied nations.

The MQ-9 Reaper is notable for its versatility and multi-role capacity, designed to perform both intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and targeted strike operations. It boasts an extended range and endurance, capable of executing missions up to 1,200 miles away from its control station and remaining airborne for periods of about 14 hours when fully equipped.

The aircraft is equipped with a variety of sensors including radar, multi-spectral targeting systems, and cameras that enable it to gather high-resolution imagery and relay it back to ground forces in real time. Its armament capabilities include laser-guided munitions like the Hellfire missile, making it a formidable asset for precision strike tasks. The MQ-9's adaptability allows it to support a wide range of missions, from border patrol and maritime surveillance to natural disaster assistance and firefighting support, illustrating its significant utility beyond conventional military roles.

The United States has further enhanced its defense technology with the introduction of a new electronic warfare pod on the MQ-9 Reaper drones operated by the Marine Corps. This device, known as T-SOAR (Scalable Open Architecture Reconnaissance), provides the drones with advanced electronic camouflage capabilities, rendering them nearly undetectable to enemy detection systems.