The U.S. Air Force is significantly increasing MQ-9A Reaper drone deployments across the Caribbean, officially to bolster counter-narcotics operations. but the move carries broader strategic weight. With high-definition sensors, 24/7 loitering capability, and real-time data links, Reapers can track not only drug trafficking vessels but also monitor foreign naval activity near U.S. waters. Recent sightings of Russian and Chinese research vessels. often suspected of intelligence collection near Pu