United States: Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 (VMU-1) detachment with MQ-9A Reaper drones to Antonio Bautista Air Base, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines

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Deployment information

Deploying nation	United States
Host nation or area	Philippines
Region	Southeast Asia
Military branch	🪖 Ground forces
Record type	Troop or force movement
Operation or mission
Unit or formation	Not publicly confirmed
Personnel	Detachment (size not stated)
Equipment	Not stated
Status	Confirmed active
Start or report date	Oct 28, 2026
Withdrawal or end date	—
Last verified	Oct 28, 2026
Confidence	Medium: one credible outlet

Background

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 (VMU-1) detachment with MQ-9A Reaper dronesUSNI News reported Oct. 28 that a VMU-1 detachment is operating from Antonio Bautista Air Base, one of nine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites, citing a logistics document and commercial satellite imagery of an expeditionary hangar. The Marine Corps acknowledged but did not answer requests for information, USNI News said. Route: Basa Air Base, Luzon (existing VMU-1 site) → Antonio Bautista Air Base, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. Status: As reported by USNI News.

Deployment timeline

1. Nov 5, 2026 Record added from The Boston Report Military Deployments Tracker. Source report dated 2026-10-28.

Sources

• USNI News

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