{"id":14797,"date":"2021-01-05T20:01:41","date_gmt":"2021-01-05T20:01:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2021\/01\/05\/air-force-bases-mq-9-reapers-in-romania\/"},"modified":"2026-08-18T20:45:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T20:45:19","slug":"air-force-bases-mq-9-reapers-in-romania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/unmanned\/2021\/01\/05\/air-force-bases-mq-9-reapers-in-romania\/","title":{"rendered":"Air Force bases MQ-9 Reapers in Romania"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Air Force said Monday it has based a squadron of MQ-9 Reaper drones<\/a> and 90 airmen in Romania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Reapers<\/a>, which are stationed at the 71st Air Base in Campia Turzii Air Base, will conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance<\/a> missions, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa said in a release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They will also support the Air Force\u2019s agile combat employment concepts, wherein the service distributes airmen and aircraft across several locations to increase the chances of surviving an attack from a major power such as Russia or China, USAFE said. Additionally, the drones will fly freedom of maneuver missions, work together with other U.S. military forces and allied forces in the region, and may also take part in exercises to ensure interoperability between the U.S. and allied and partner nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe forward and ready positioning of our MQ-9s at this key strategic location reassures our allies and partners, while also sending a message to our adversaries, that we can quickly respond to any emergent threat,\u201d USAFE commander Gen. Jeff Harrigian said in the release.<\/p>\n\n\n\t