United States Forces Korea confirmed that it had deployed the multipurpose MQ-9 Reaper.

The Seventh Air Force said in a press release Monday that the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, which specializes in MQ-9 Reaper operations, had been activated at the Kunsan Air Base in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, under the command of Lt. Col. Douglas J. Slater.

While the MQ-9 has been temporarily dispatched to the Korean Peninsula for participation in the allies' military exercise, the most recent deployment marks the first time that a unit specialized in the drone's operations has been established.

The Seventh Air Force described the MQ-9 as a multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance and remotely piloted aircraft designed for moving targets and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The drone will likely be dispatched to monitor not only North Korea, but also China's advancement in the Yellow Sea.