US Military Plans Reaper Drone Operations Near China, North Korea
Published Jul 22, 2025 at 4:31 AM EDT
Updated Jul 22, 2025 at 4:32 AM EDT
The United States will reportedly deploy the MQ-9 armed reconnaissance drone, commonly known as the Reaper, to South Korea amid growing threats from China and North Korea.
The U.S. Seventh Air Force—which commands air operations in South Korea—told Newsweek that it could not discuss potential or planned operations as a matter of policy.
Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. The North Korean Embassy in China did not immediately respond to a written request for comment.
Why It Matters
Following the Korean War and the signing of a mutual defense treaty, the U.S. military has approximately 28,500 personnel—along with associated armaments such as fighter aircraft—in South Korea to deter provocations and attacks by nuclear-armed North Korea.
https://www.newsweek.com/us-military-plans-reaper-drone-operations-near-china-north-korea-2102106?social_type=MSQA
