Despite the official retirement of the MQ‑1 Predator in 2018, the US Navy received 20 remaining air‑force Predator airframes in 2019 and redesignated them NMQ‑1B for experimental and training missions. According to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, these drones are now used in research, development, testing and evaluation programs. While mission details are undisclosed, the "N" prefix suggests significant modifications, and the aircraft are likely employed to simulate a range of aerial threats—including cruise missiles, loitering munitions and targets with varied radar and thermal signatures—to train US defense systems. Their high flight endurance, low operating cost, and flexible payload capacity make the Predator a suitable platform for such roles.