BLUF
A temporary drone presence is helping a regional partner strengthen situational awareness in contested waters—offering steady support during a period of rising tension and frequent confrontations. The Reapers provide long-endurance surveillance capability.Learning Outcomes:
- Understand why the US deployed unarmed MQ-9A Reapers to support Philippine maritime security.
- Recognise how drone capability strengthens shared maritime awareness in contested regions.
- Identify how rising Chinese–Philippine tensions are shaping US regional force posture.
