U.S. Air Force 163d Attack Wing Highlights Advanced MQ-9 Capabilities at Steel Knight 2024
The 163d Attack Wing has taken center stage in Exercise Steel Knight 2024, an annual U.S. Marine Corps-led training event designed to strengthen joint force readiness and collaboration. This year, the exercise focuses on enhancing operational capabilities in multi-domain environments, spanning land, sea, and air, while integrating cutting-edge technologies to address the challenges of modern warfare.
A pivotal element of the 163d Attack Wing’s participation in Steel Knight 2024 is its mastery of the MQ-9 Reaper, a versatile unmanned aerial system renowned for its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. During the initial phase of the exercise, the Wing successfully launched and remotely piloted an MQ-9 before transferring control to the 107th Attack Wing of the New York Air National Guard. This collaboration provided valuable training opportunities for both units, simulating real-world scenarios in a near-peer competition setting.
The MQ-9's role in Steel Knight extends beyond ISR operations. It serves as a vital link in the flow of actionable intelligence, delivering real-time data to ground forces and enabling precise decision-making in complex environments. “The Grizzlys are leaders in MQ-9 technology, operating at the forefront of near-peer competition,” noted Maj. Eve Derfelt, public affairs officer for the 163d. This capability is particularly significant in the Indo-Pacific, where strategic competition with near-peer adversaries like China demands cutting-edge solutions.
Exercise Steel Knight brings together multiple branches of the U.S. military, including the U.S. Navy, the California Air National Guard, and the 920th Rescue Wing from the U.S. Air Force Reserve. The 163d Attack Wing’s collaboration with the I Marine Expeditionary Force, the 1st Marine Division, and the Navy’s 3rd Fleet underscores the importance of joint interoperability in modern defense strategies.
Lt. Col. Thomas Coyle, assistant chief of staff for intelligence with the 1st Marine Division, highlighted the exercise’s value: “Working together and learning from one another in a training environment makes us that much more effective.” By rehearsing advanced maritime campaign operations and testing new technologies, Steel Knight ensures that joint forces are prepared for real-world scenarios, from coastal defense to high-stakes expeditionary missions.
Steel Knight’s emphasis on multi-domain operations aligns with the U.S. military’s broader objective of maintaining superiority across diverse terrains. The inclusion of the MQ-9 Reaper in maritime exercises demonstrates its adaptability and reinforces its role as a cornerstone of expeditionary airpower. Capt. Jason Carr, public affairs officer for the 107th Attack Wing, noted, “The MQ-9’s expeditionary airpower capabilities have enhanced our interoperability with joint forces, showcasing our value in maritime exercises.”
Since its establishment in 1991, Steel Knight has served as a scenario-driven exercise designed to refine command and control processes across multiple services. The 163d Attack Wing’s contributions to this year’s event highlight the evolving capabilities of the MQ-9 enterprise, showcasing its ability to adapt to emerging threats and deliver rapid response solutions. With its advanced ISR operations and seamless integration into joint missions, the MQ-9 continues to cement its position as an indispensable asset in modern defense operations.
By participating in Steel Knight 2024, the 163d Attack Wing has not only demonstrated the versatility of the MQ-9 Reaper but also strengthened the U.S. military’s collective readiness to face the challenges of a rapidly evolving global security landscape.