BLOS datalinks are actually quite difficult to deny without fragging every comms sat in GEO orbit - the jamming kit would quickly become to the top of the target list! You also need a lot of power due to parabolic antenna designs at both ends of the link (ie. most of the gain is within the first 3-4 degrees of beam width). There is also fancy encryption, spread spectrum and LPI techniques to employ as well (but how that works is not for this forum). All of the claimed jamming of things like Scan Eagle have been on LOS links - now that is easier (watch out Watchkeeper!).
18kbps? Not a problem - most BLOS operate at between 2-6mbps - ie. 100-300 times the data rate needed for the notional "mate down the pub" buoy figure.
Clear range procedures for dropping? Not a problem as you would have a great EO/IR capability and also a fine sea search RADAR.
I also concur with Alfred - something like MQ-9 is not the be-all and end-all but a 60-80% fit would do me rather than nothing at all. It would also be useful for other "stuff" that we had MPAs do for us before (and last time that cost some very uneccesary losses over Afg).
Just like there have been accusations of "not knowing anything about maritime", there are a lot of people posting stuff about RPAS/UAS capability that are slightly wide of the actual challenges.
LJ
PS - Higher level sonobuoy delivery? Not a problem and also would seem to be designed with RPAS/UAS in mind as well P8
http://www.virtualacquisitionshowcas.../1545/briefing