MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. — More than 200 active component, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard MQ-9 Reaper Airmen participated in Exercise Reaper Smoke 2025 last week in Southern California.
The California National Guard's 163rd Attack Wing hosted the exercise, focusing on maritime operations to reflect the growing need for MQ-9 capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Aircrews, distinguished visitors and support personnel competed in the annual exercise that tested tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as critical thinking, amid increased demand for the MQ-9. The evolving security landscape, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, has highlighted the platform’s versatility for long-range maritime surveillance and reconnaissance.
“Combatant commanders are asking for this platform,” Brig. Gen. Keith A. Chikasawa, assistant adjutant general of California Air National Guard, told the participants. “Innovative Airmen will take us to the next level.”
Chikasawa’s remarks underscored the MQ-9’s growing importance in meeting challenges posed by near-peer competitors in the Pacific.
Reaper Smoke allows Airmen to creatively employ tools and mechanisms in a total-force environment alongside other MQ-9 operators. Innovation is key when presented with real-world scenarios. By leveraging cutting-edge technology for immersive training, Airmen prepare for the challenges of a rapidly evolving technological landscape, including the vast distances and unique operational requirements of the Indo-Pacific theater.
“This event brings together crews from across the MQ-9 enterprise to hone their skills and refine tactics, techniques and procedures, ensuring our Reaper aircrews are ready for rapidly evolving global challenges,” said Lt. Col. Gregory Schonberger, 196th Attack Squadron commander. “It also fosters interaction between junior and senior aircrew from all squadrons and components operating the MQ-9, enabling rapid communication and problem-solving among units.”
This collaboration is crucial for developing interoperability in the complex Indo-Pacific environment.
The 2025 iteration of Reaper Smoke challenged aircrews in a new domain – the maritime environment. While the MQ-9 traditionally operates under U.S. Central Command in southwest Asia, this exercise focused on sea operations. The exercise presented new challenges and directly addressed the growing demand for MQ-9 capabilities in maritime domain awareness and power projection in the Pacific. This shift emphasizes the platform’s adaptability and potential to maintain regional stability.
Creech Air Force Base, Nev., won the competition.