The 65th Special Operations Squadron has successfully conducted a major exercise testing the MQ-9 Reaper’s ability to operate from unpaved airfields, marking a shift from traditional operational requirements.
- Exercise Reaper Castillo, held from Nov. 4 to Dec. 18, 2024, demonstrated remote aircraft control from Hurlburt Field, while the aircraft operated at Melrose Air Force Range in New Mexico — more than 1,100 miles apart.
The exercise focused on validating the aircraft’s capabilities in austere environments, including dirt-strip landings, refueling, rearming, and rapid relaunch, with support from the 1st Special Operations Mission Sustainment Team (SOMST).
“In the future fight, we assess we will no longer be able to rely exclusively on the main operating bases that have persisted,” said the 1st SOMST flight commander. “Operating in austere environments anytime, anyplace and anywhere is critical. It enables commanders to have options – something critically needed in special operations forces.”
While MQ-9 operations typically require paved runways and extensive support, the exercise demonstrated successful operations with minimal ground support on unpaved airfields.
- Lt. Col. Kurtis Paul, 65th SOS commander, noted the exercise’s broader significance: “On its surface, Reaper Castillo 24 is an exercise created and executed by the 65th SOS. But in reality, it’s another step in Air Force Special Operations Command’s efforts to push MQ-9 operations beyond conventional means.”
A 65th SOS MQ-9 evaluator pilot and exercise mission commander highlighted the aircraft’s strategic importance: “The MQ-9 is extremely relevant in today’s fight and will be in the future as well. It allows us to go places and do things that we cannot risk sending manned aircraft – such as high-threat environments.”
The exercise builds upon previous work by other squadrons and will provide data for future operations, supporting Air Force Special Operations Command’s strategy for more flexible and resilient force deployment.
