Print 23 comment(s) - last by HrilL.. on Oct 28 at 2:46 AM  MQ-9
Reaper  (Source: U.S. military) The U.S. military is using its
UAVs to help try and reduce the number of pirate attacks  United
States military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drones normally
used for missile attacks or reconnaissance are now protecting
the Somali coast from a recent increase of piracy.  The military
now has its MQ-9 Reaper UAV patrolling in the Indian Ocean,
marking the first time UAVs have been used for safety patrols.
Specifically, the MQ-9 Reaper, a 36-foot long craft that can fly
up to 16 hours, has been used for coordinated strikes in Iraq,
Afghanistan, and Pakistan.  The UAVs utilize laser, radar and
infrared, and have the ability to carry up to 12 guided missiles
and munitions.  The drones patrolling Somalia aren't equipped
with weaponry as of yet, but depending on the number of
hijackings, it's a future possibility, military officials told
the Associated Press.  “What we hope will happen is that they
will get much earlie