30 Oct 09. Reaper begins counter-piracy patrols from Seychelles. One of the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) under the operational control of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has flown its first sortie from the Seychelles, a spokesman for AFRICOM confirmed to Jane’s on 27 October. The flight forms part of Operation ‘Ocean Look’, which provides support to US piracy deterrence efforts off the coast of Somalia. ‘Ocean Look’ has temporarily located the UAVs on the Seychelles since early October under a joint government agreement. (Source: Jane’s)