SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The 174th Attack Wing, New York Air National Guard, recently reached an important milestone in protecting U.S. airspace by flying an MQ-9 Reaper using a Federal Aviation Administration approved civilian surveillance network operated by the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR).
The flight, conducted from Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, was the first time the wing operated an MQ-9 in the National Airspace System using a privately operated civilian network. The flight showed that military aircraft and civilian air traffic can safely share the same skies using modern technology with close coordination.
“The 174th has a long-standing history in the Central New York region and is proud to be a part of the innovation legacy here,” said U.S Air Force Brig. Gen. John O’Connor, commander of the 174th Attack Wing. “We look forward to working together with NUAIR to keep Syracuse’s airspace safe.”
The flight supports a national effort to strengthen airspace security and modernize how aircraft are managed across the country. By using a FAA accepted surveillance network, the 174th demonstrated new capabilities without relying solely on traditional military systems.
During the flight, the NUAIR network provided real-time awareness of other aircraft in the area, including those broadcasting tracking signals and those that were not, helping ensure safe separation throughout the mission.
“NUAIR provides an essential next evolutionary step forward for the detect and avoid capability,” said Lt. Col. Drew Larned, commander of the 108th Attack Squadron, 174th Attack Wing.
Planning for the operation focused heavily on safety. The 174th Attack Wing worked closely with NUAIR and Syracuse air traffic controllers to carefully map out flight paths and procedures.
“Both organizations prioritize safety as the number one objective,” said Scott Brenton, NUAIR chief of safety and a former member of the 174th Attack Wing. “So when I kicked off the first meeting, that was the first bullet point on the slides.” Additional safeguards included keeping aircraft separated by altitude and using a Civil Air Patrol aircraft to provide an added layer of visual awareness.
The 174th Attack Wing operates alongside Syracuse Hancock International Airport, sharing airspace with civilian flights and the surrounding community. Because of this close proximity, cooperation with civilian partners is essential to ensuring both military readiness and public safety.
Leaders involved in the effort believe this flight can serve as a model for other locations across the country where military and civilian aviation operate side by side. Similar systems could help communities safely integrate new aircraft technologies while maintaining strong airspace security.
With a long aviation history, supportive local partners and established airspace structure, Central New York is well positioned to continue leading efforts in modern airspace awareness and unmanned aircraft integration.
The demonstration reinforces the 174th Attack Wing’s mission to support national defense, assist civil authorities and protect the homeland, while continuing its commitment to innovation and service to the Central New York community.
Additional insight into the operation and the partnership was discussed during a January 2026 episode of NUAIR’s Beyond the Pilot podcast, which featured Lt. Col. Drew Larned and Scott Brenton speaking about the collaboration, evolving counter-unmanned aircraft system challenges and the role of the public-private partnerships in protecting shared airspace.
The 174th Attack Wing is one of five wings that comprise the New York Air National Guard. Headquartered at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, NY, the wing’s primary mission is to operate the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft.