MQ-9s begin operations in the Seychelles

US Air Force MQ-9 Reapers have begun anti-piracy operations from the Seychelles Islands.

The operation, led by the newly formed United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) is flying the unarmed Reapers from a Seychelles’ Mahé airport following a recent spike in incidents of piracy around the coast of the Indian Ocean island chain.

This week, tepresentatives from the US Embassy in Mauritius and the Government of Seychelles hosted an event for approximately 30 members from the media, local government, military and civil aviation authority in Victoria, Seychelles.

The event addressed questions related to the presence of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the island nation.

Media and other guests first received a brief overview of the MQ-9s capabilities from US Navy Commander Greg Hand, executive officer responsible for overseeing MQ-9 UAV operations in the Seychelles, before viewing a UAV departure and practice approach. Minister Joel Morgan, Seychelles minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Transport, then addressed the media.

Morgan, also the head of the High Level Committee on Piracy, spoke on how the war on piracy has to be fought on many fronts; nationally and internationally. He noted that with 1.3 million square kilometres of ocean in the Seychelles exclusive economic zone, the problem of piracy is a complex one and one that requires, a wide range of resources to combat it.

"This includes diplomacy, military capabilities, surveillance, information gathering, and human and financial resources," said Morgan.

In specifically addressing the United State's assistance in the counter-piracy effort, Morgan said, "...that in a relatively short space of time, our calls for assistance have been answered and we have established Seychelles as the hub for anti-piracy surveillance and anti-piracy actions. We strongly believe that the joint efforts with the international forces working with us are key to curbing piracy in our region."

Following Morgan's comments, US Embassy Mauritius deputy chief of mission, Craig White, gave remarks that touched on the roles of the UAVs and their overall contribution to security in the region.

White also addressed a question about the mission saying, "The Government of Seychelles invited us here to fight against piracy and that is its mission. However, these aircraft have a great deal of capabilities and could be used for other missions...that is always a possibility."

White went on to say that at this point he believes the best use of the aircraft is in the surveillance function in coordination with the other elements.

The temporary stationing of MQ-9s in the Seychelles falls under the operational authority of US Africa Command (AFRICOM) and is part of a collaborative effort of the US and Seychelles governments to determine the feasibility of using UAVs in support of maritime and border-related security initiatives in and around the Indian Ocean.