US Reactivates 431st Squadron with MQ-9 Reaper Drones in South Korea

The United States maintains a permanent drone presence on the Korean Peninsula, reviving a World War II–era squadron to bolster security amid rising regional tensions.

The 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron was activated on Monday at Kunsan Air Base in the western part of North Korea, north of Seoul. It will conduct MQ‑9 Reaper flights from this base.

This is another step in strengthening U.S. air power on the peninsula after F‑16s were repositioned closer to North Korea in recent months. It also comes a few weeks after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stood beside Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a large military parade in Beijing.

Reaper is a single‑engine turboprop unmanned aircraft capable of performing a wide range of combat and other missions, according to an Air Force fact sheet.

With an extended range of over 1,600 miles (over 2,575 kilometers) and the ability to stay aloft continuously via in‑flight refueling, the Reaper will provide a substantial boost to U.S. forces in the region.

The Reaper’s range covers not only North Korea – the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea lies about 150 miles north of Kunsan – but also the East China Sea and Taiwan, roughly 800 miles from the base.

Position and Expectations from the Deployment

MQ‑9 operations under U.S. and South Korea priorities in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance across the Indo‑Pacific theater.

The MQ‑9 deployment brings substantial capabilities to the region.

“We are here to support the mission, deepen cooperation, and demonstrate our joint commitment to maintaining security and stability in the Indo‑Pacific region.”

For combat missions the MQ‑9 can carry a wide range of armament – from Hellfire missiles to laser‑guided bombs.

The permanent deployment of Reapers at Kunsan demonstrates Washington’s commitment to South Korea and its Pacific partners during a period of rising regional tension.

It was not disclosed how many Reapers will be based at Kunsan, but a January Air Force fact sheet indicates 50 aircraft assigned to U.S. Northern Command’s Special Operations.

The name of the 431st Squadron is revived from World War II: it was formed in 1943 as the 431st Fighter Squadron in Australia, where it served as escort for American bombers in the Pacific Theater, operating long‑range P‑38 Lightning fighters.

The 431st was last active as a test squadron for the F‑111 aircraft in California, disbanding in 1992.

The activation of the squadron in South Korea was the Air Force’s second‑largest initiative of the year on the peninsula.

In July, the service began moving F‑16s from Kunsan north by more than 130 kilometers to Osan to form the so-called “super squadron” closer to North Korea. According to the Air Force, in October 31 F‑16s and about 1,000 personnel were to be relocated from Kunsan to Osan.

The temporary move is expected to last through October next year to evaluate capabilities and bolster combat readiness on the Korean Peninsula.

The latest steps underscore the strategic importance of basing drones on the Korean Peninsula and their role in supporting regional stability amid rising tensions.