The US is considering the transfer of urgently needed MQ-9 Reaper drones to Ukraine.

As Politico points out, it is now a priority for Ukraine to acquire MQ-9 Reaper spy drones from the US. However, Washington is still debating whether to hand them over, fearing that the Russian occupiers will get hold of US technology.

Ukraine has recently elevated the MQ-9 Reaper to the top of its wish list as it plans military operations for the summer that will require finding and identifying targets deep behind enemy lines. Initially, these drones were desired for both air strikes and surveillance. But now Ukraine is interested in using Reapers only for reconnaissance.

The MQ-9 Reaper is a reconnaissance-strike drone with a wingspan of 20 meters and a maximum take-off weight of 4 763 kg. It is equipped with a turboprop engine, which allows a speed of more than 445 kilometers per hour, with a maximum flight duration of 27 hours. The drone can also be equipped with AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground anti-tank missiles, Mark 82 guided bombs, and other weapons.