The US military is using unarmed MQ-9 Reaper drones to assist in locating hostages taken by Hamas in Gaza. At least six drones have been deployed, flying at an altitude of 25,000 feet for about three hours at a time. The drones are providing planning and intelligence support to the Israeli military. MQ-9 Reaper drones have the ability to loiter at altitudes of 50,000 feet for over 27 hours, gathering intelligence with advanced cameras, sensors, and radars. They are cost-effective and do not require a pilot to operate.