All articles tagged with #mq 9 reaper
Facing steep MQ-9 Reaper losses in combat against Iran, the Air Force is fast-tracking the Mass Modular Aircraft program to field a cheaper, modular unmanned drone around $10 million per airframe, with targets of about 180 MMA aircraft and prototypes within a year and full fielding within three years, while keeping multiple bidders and ramping automation.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.