Tag

Mq 9 Reaper

All articles tagged with #mq 9 reaper

Congressional report reveals US lost 81 aircraft in Iran war, costing up to $3.3 billion
defense12 days ago

Congressional report reveals US lost 81 aircraft in Iran war, costing up to $3.3 billion

A new Congressional Research Service report states that the US military has lost or sustained damage to 81 aircraft during the war with Iran, with replacement costs estimated between $1.9 billion and $3.3 billion. The losses, which include 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, 12 F-15E Strike Eagles, and an E-3 Sentry, have nearly doubled since a May count of 42. The report highlights concerns over aging fleets and potential capability gaps in other theaters, while the total war cost exceeds $45 billion.

Air Force Shortlists Seven Firms for $10M Reaper Replacement, Including Exotic Otto Aerospace
defense18 days ago

Air Force Shortlists Seven Firms for $10M Reaper Replacement, Including Exotic Otto Aerospace

The U.S. Air Force and Defense Innovation Unit have narrowed the field to seven companies for the Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) program, a low-cost successor to the MQ-9 Reaper. The shortlist includes established drone makers and unexpected entrants like Otto Aerospace. The Air Force aims to field 500 units by 2032 at a target cost of $10 million each, driven by recent Reaper losses in Iran.

Seven Firms Shortlisted for Air Force's $10M Drone to Replace Lost Reapers
defense19 days ago

Seven Firms Shortlisted for Air Force's $10M Drone to Replace Lost Reapers

The U.S. Air Force and Defense Innovation Unit have narrowed the field to seven companies for the Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) program, a low-cost drone initiative designed to replace the MQ-9 Reaper. The Air Force aims to field 500 units by 2032 at a target cost of $10 million per airframe, a fraction of the $30 million+ cost of current platforms. This push follows significant Reaper losses during operations against Iran, prompting a shift toward attritable, mass-producible systems.

US Redeploys MQ-9 Drones from Africa to South America for Anti-Narcotics Ops
politics1 month ago

US Redeploys MQ-9 Drones from Africa to South America for Anti-Narcotics Ops

The US military is shifting MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa to South America to support anticipated counternarcotics and counterterrorism operations. This move follows a classified legal opinion authorizing lethal force against cartels and aligns with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s priority to secure the Western Hemisphere. While the Pentagon declined to comment, sources indicate the transfer aims to bolster joint operations with nations like Ecuador and Colombia, despite concerns that reducing assets in Africa could hinder the fight against ISIS and al-Shabaab.

Air Force Accelerates MQ-9 Reaper Replacement Amid Heavy Combat Losses
defense1 month ago

Air Force Accelerates MQ-9 Reaper Replacement Amid Heavy Combat Losses

The U.S. Air Force is fast-tracking the development of the Mass Modular Aircraft (MMA) to replace the MQ-9 Reaper drone after losing at least 45 units in the Iran conflict. Officials aim for a $10 million unit cost and plan to field 180 drones within three years, prioritizing modularity and automation over advanced technology to manage expenses.

USAF Races to Refill MQ-9 Reaper Fleet After Iran Losses
defense4 months ago

USAF Races to Refill MQ-9 Reaper Fleet After Iran Losses

The Air Force plans to buy back a small number of unused MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers from General Atomics to backfill combat losses in the Middle East, but only a handful are available worldwide. With the MQ-9A fleet shrinking to about 135–165 aircraft, the service is pursuing the long-term MQ-9 Next (not expected for years) while cannibalizing Predator parts and reusing decommissioned drones to keep operations running.

US Loses Another MQ-9 Reaper Drone in Yemen Amid Rising Tensions
international-news2 years ago

US Loses Another MQ-9 Reaper Drone in Yemen Amid Rising Tensions

Another U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone has reportedly gone down in Yemen's Marib province, potentially marking the third such incident this month. The cause remains unclear, but the U.S. Central Command has acknowledged reports of the downed drone. The Houthis, who have previously shot down U.S. drones, have not claimed responsibility. The incident occurs amid increased Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

"Iran-Backed Militants Down US Reaper Drone in Iraq, Prompting US Investigation"
international-relations2 years ago

"Iran-Backed Militants Down US Reaper Drone in Iraq, Prompting US Investigation"

Iraq's Islamic Resistance claims responsibility for shooting down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone that violated the country's airspace from Kuwait, vowing to continue its attacks against the US. The group has intensified its operations against US and Israeli targets in protest of US support for Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties.

Yemen's Houthi Rebels Shoot Down US Reaper Drone
military2 years ago

Yemen's Houthi Rebels Shoot Down US Reaper Drone

Yemen claims to have shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone, stating that it was conducting hostile activities within Yemeni territorial waters in support of Israel. The Yemeni Armed Forces assert their right to defend the country and continue military operations against Israel to support Palestine. The MQ-9 Reaper is an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems primarily for the US Air Force, capable of remote-controlled or autonomous flight operations.

Iran's Armed Drone Resembling MQ-9 Reaper Poses Threat to Israel
defense-technology3 years ago

Iran's Armed Drone Resembling MQ-9 Reaper Poses Threat to Israel

Iran's Defense Ministry unveiled the Mohajer-10 drone, resembling America's MQ-9 Reaper, claiming it can stay airborne for 24 hours and potentially reach Israel. The drone, capable of flying up to 24,000 feet with a speed of 210 kph, can carry a bomb payload of up to 300 kilograms and is equipped with electronic surveillance equipment and a camera. Iran's President Raisi emphasized Iran's technological advancements and friendly relations with all countries, while warning against any invasion attempts. The claims about the drone's capabilities have not been independently verified. Israel has not yet responded to the unveiling. Iran has previously captured US drones and reverse-engineered them. Iran also announced the provision of ballistic missiles to its army and the Revolutionary Guard.

"New Drones and Helicopters Unveiled at Paris Air Show"
defense-technology3 years ago

"New Drones and Helicopters Unveiled at Paris Air Show"

French-made Aarok combat drone, designed and made by Turgis & Gaillard, has been revealed at the Paris Air Show. The drone is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) system that can carry up to 6,000 lbs of payload and fly for up to 24 hours. The Aarok is designed to carry out a wide range of missions, including strike operations, land and maritime surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare. The drone has sparked a debate across the drone industry regarding the extent to which it will compete with same-category systems like the notional Eurodrone and the U.S.-made MQ-9 Reaper.

French-made combat drone disrupts industry.
defense-technology3 years ago

French-made combat drone disrupts industry.

French-made Aarok combat drone, designed and made by Turgis & Gaillard, has been revealed at the Paris Air Show. The drone is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) system that can carry up to 6,000 lbs of payload and fly for up to 24 hours. The Aarok is designed to carry out a wide range of missions, including strike operations, land and maritime surveillance, and anti-submarine warfare. The drone has sparked a debate across the drone industry regarding the extent to which it will compete with same-category systems like the notional Eurodrone and the U.S.-made MQ-9 Reaper.