A drone’s human pilots carry out missions from a ground control station, which can be located anywhere in the world, thanks to satellite communication. This ensures the safety of soldiers, as they are not physically present in the drone. If a drone is shot down or becomes inoperable, the Air Force can simply deploy another drone with the same pilot on the ground.

Hunter-killer drones enable militaries to operate deep within enemy territory, monitoring battlefield developments and carrying out targeted strikes if necessary, all while remaining nearly invisible. This technology has been particularly valuable in places like Afghanistan, where groups such as the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and eventually ISIS lacked the means to counter or even detect drones like the MQ-9 Reaper. It’s important to note that drone systems like the MQ-9 Reaper do not replace fighter jets, ground troops, or naval fleets. Instead, they provide a significant advantage in reconnaissance and executing necessary but risky strikes.