The U.S. has permanently stationed MQ-9 Reaper combat and reconnaissance drones in South Korea for the first time, establishing a new air squadron that will improve the allies’ ability to monitor North Korean military activities.

The U.S. 7th Air Force announced in a press release Monday that the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron (ERS), equipped with MQ-9s, has been officially activated at Kunsan Air Base, located 180 kilometers south of Seoul.

Lt. Col. Douglas J. Slater formally assumed command of the 431st ERS at Kunsan on Sept. 28, according to the 7th Air Force’s press release.

“The activation of the 431st