The Royal Netherlands Air Force has flown an armed MQ-9A Reaper for the first time at Leeuwarden, using training ammunition as the Dutch fleet moves from intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions toward a precision strike role. The aircraft belongs to 306 Squadron and forms part of a planned weapons integration effort that will give the Netherlands a persistent armed surveillance-and-strike capability.
The next phase will involve live weapons fitted with explosive warheads, with AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles and GBU-49 guided bombs among the planned munitions. Initial operational capability is expected in 2026, while full operational capability is targeted for the end of 2028. The Reaper remains controlled from a ground station, with military personnel retaining the firing decision.
The MQ-9A’s endurance and altitude give it a long-range overwatch role alongside precision engagement options. The aircraft can remain airborne for up to 27 hours and operate at 50,000 feet, making it suitable for sustained monitoring before strike employment. The Dutch move follows a wider pattern among European MQ-9 operators within NATO that have added or are adding similar armed capability.