The U.S. Navy’s MQ-9 Reaper test squadron at Naval Air Station Patuxent River has taken a major step toward enhancing airborne communication capabilities with the integration of the SkyTower II (STII) pod.
The squadron, known as Air Test and Evaluation (UX) 24, conducted initial power-on checks of the new system on February 25, marking the beginning of a rigorous testing phase before the system reaches initial operational capability next year.
According to the Navy, the SkyTower II is a network extension pod designed to enhance cross-domain communication by linking forces operating in different domains. This capability plays a crucial role in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, ensuring seamless coordination between joint and allied forces.
“The program is excited to deliver SkyTower II for testing, marking a major milestone in our development journey,” said Capt. Dennis Monagle, Multi-Mission Tactical UAS program manager. “Over the past two years, we’ve partnered with GALT, a small business prime vendor, to rapidly develop this unique capability using middle-tier acquisition, accelerating innovation for the warfighter. With robust system and integration testing now underway, we remain on track to achieve initial operating capability this year, delivering critical capability to the U.S. Marine Corps and the joint forces.”
To ensure seamless integration, UX-24 also conducted a fit check of the MQ-9 inside the anechoic chamber at Pax River. The team performed a series of evaluations, including suspending the aircraft to test its ability to maintain power, cooling, and satellite link communications. These assessments serve as a risk-reduction measure ahead of final testing.
“The team has been able to accomplish a lot of work in a very compressed timeline by developing and executing these test plans for the chamber event and STII testing,” said Cmdr. Lauren Lawson, MQ-9 government flight test director. “The dedication shown and technical challenges they’ve overcome to conduct this critical testing to help develop the best product possible to support the Marines is truly commendable.”
The Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 (VMU-3), which is currently operating MQ-9 Reapers in theater, is set to become the first unit to deploy with the SkyTower II system in 2026. The enhanced capability is expected to improve the Reaper’s role in maritime domain awareness and expeditionary advanced base operations, particularly in contested environments where secure and reliable communication is essential.
Over the coming months, UX-24 will conduct final evaluations before delivering the upgraded MQ-9s to the fleet.