Russian Su-34 attacks US MQ-9 Reaper in rare, undated video

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Russian Su-34 attacks US MQ-9 Reaper in rare, undated video

It is unknown when, but a new video reveals how a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber attacks a US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper attack drone. The video was posted on the social network X and shows the moment of the attack, filmed from the cockpit of a plane flying parallel to the drone.

The Su-34 approaches from behind the approaching US MQ-9 Reaper. When the Russian fighter jet is above the US drone, it launches a salvo of several flares. According to Status-6, this attack took place in the skies over Syria.

The deployment of signal flares from an aircraft like the Su-34 can have several adverse effects on drones like the MQ-9 Reaper, primarily due to the nature of the flares and the operational characteristics of unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs].

Flares, when deployed, burn brightly and can create a significant visual distraction. For a drone operator, this sudden burst of light could temporarily blind the drone’s optical sensors, which are crucial for navigation, target acquisition, and maintaining flight stability.

These sensors, including infrared cameras used for night operations, might misinterpret the flares as threats or heat sources, leading to erratic behavior or evasive maneuvers not intended by the operator.

Moreover, the physical presence of the flares, especially if they are parachute flares, could pose a direct threat. As they descend under parachutes, these flares could come close to or even collide with the drone, risking physical damage to the aircraft.

In one documented incident in July 2023, a flare from a Russian fighter jet struck an MQ-9 Reaper’s propeller, causing significant damage that required the drone to execute an emergency landing. This incident underscores how flares can not only disrupt surveillance and reconnaissance missions but also lead to more severe outcomes like loss of control or damage to the drone.

The deployment of flares also has psychological implications for the operators. The sudden need for evasive action or the stress of managing an unexpected threat can lead to human error, further compromising the mission or even causing the drone to be lost.

The complexity of managing a drone from a remote location, where every second counts, can be exponentially increased by such aggressive tactics, pushing operators to make split-second decisions under pressure.

From a strategic perspective, these actions by Russian pilots could be seen as attempts to assert dominance or to disrupt U.S. operations in the region, potentially escalating tensions. They serve as a reminder of the volatile nature of aerial engagements in contested airspace, where even non-lethal systems like flares can become tools of confrontation.

In March 2023, a notable incident unfolded over the Black Sea where a Russian Su-27 fighter jet collided with an American MQ-9 Reaper drone in international airspace. According to the U.S. military, the Russian aircraft struck the propeller of the drone, leading to its crash into the sea.

This incident was particularly highlighted by both nations, with the U.S. releasing declassified video footage showing the encounter, underlining the potential for such interactions to result in unintended escalation between the two powers.

The MQ-9 Reaper, also known as the Predator B, is a highly sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicle [UAV] developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems [GA-ASI] primarily for the United States Air Force [USAF]. This aircraft has evolved significantly from its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator, offering enhanced capabilities in terms of payload, endurance, and mission flexibility.

The MQ-9 Reaper is designed for medium-to-high altitude, long-endurance missions, capable of both autonomous and remote-controlled operations. It features a 950-shaft-horsepower turboprop engine, which is much more powerful than the 115 hp piston engine found in the MQ-1 Predator.

This increase in power allows the Reaper to carry a significantly larger payload, including weapons, and to achieve higher speeds, roughly three times that of the MQ-1.

The Reaper can carry a variety of equipment tailored for different missions, including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance [ISTAR], as well as attack roles. Key among its sensor equipment is the Multi-Spectral Targeting System [MTS-B], which includes an infrared sensor, daylight TV, image-intensified TV camera, laser designator, and laser illuminator.

This system is complemented by a synthetic aperture radar for enhanced targeting capabilities, particularly for the GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition [JDAM].

In terms of armament, the MQ-9 Reaper can be equipped with up to 14 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for anti-tank and anti-personnel engagements. Additionally, it can carry 500-pound bombs like the GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs.

The aircraft has seven hardpoints for munitions, three on each wing and one central pylon primarily reserved for electronic countermeasures. Other weaponry includes the GBU-38 JDAM, and there have been explorations into accommodating air-to-air Stinger missiles and the dual-mode Brimstone missile.

The MQ-9A Reaper, the baseline model, has an endurance of over 27 hours, a speed of 240 KTAS, can operate at altitudes up to 50,000 feet, and has a payload capacity of 3,850 pounds, with 3,000 pounds designated for external stores.

This model’s versatility allows it to be configured for various roles, including maritime surveillance with the MQ-9 Guardian variant specifically designed for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

An evolution of the MQ-9A is the MQ-9B, which includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants. The SkyGuardian features enhanced endurance, weather resilience, and can operate in civilian airspace, while the SeaGuardian is equipped with maritime-specific equipment like a 360-degree maritime surface search radar and automatic identification system.

The MQ-9 Reaper also has an Extended Range [ER] version which extends its endurance to 34 hours through additional fuel capacity and reinforced landing gear. This variant is known as the Predator B Big Wing or Reaper ER Long Wing, indicating its improved fuel storage and operational capabilities.

Operational control of the MQ-9 involves a three-person crew operating from a ground control station, which can be located far from the operational theater due to satellite communication capabilities. This setup includes a pilot, sensor operator, and mission intelligence coordinator.

Globally, the Reaper has found users beyond the U.S., including the United Kingdom, Italy, The Netherlands, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, France, Belgium, and Japan. Each country might customize or use the Reaper for specific national security needs, often focusing on surveillance or combat roles.

In summary, the MQ-9 Reaper stands out as a versatile, highly capable UAV with a range of equipment and configurations tailored to meet complex, modern military requirements, from persistent surveillance to precise strike capabilities, ensuring its relevance in future operations until its projected service life end around 2035.

Bulgarian Military

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