The War Zone reports that American MQ-9 reconnaissance drones are being prepared for a long-range strike role, gaining the ability to hit targets at much greater distances.

According to the outlet, upgraded SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants of the MQ-9 are to be equipped with long-range missiles, effectively turning them from surveillance assets into long-range missile carriers. The authors note that the combination of extended range and very long endurance gives the MQ-9 a level of flexibility that, as they put it, a tactical aircraft of comparable size simply does not have.

At this stage, the main weapons under consideration are the low-observable AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile produced by Lockheed Martin, its anti-ship variant LRASM, and the Joint Strike Missile developed by Kongsberg together with Raytheon. The War Zone writes that the goal of the program is to begin flights with at least one of these missiles in 2026.

Citing a General Atomics press release, the article adds that the updated MQ-9B could take off from several friendly bases in the western or southern Pacific, fly to a designated area and remain there outside the reach of an adversary’s weapons. If an order to use force were given, the drones would be able to launch their missiles in coordination with other operations by the United States or its allies.