US seeks a cheaper alternative to MQ-9 as India seeks these drones for USD 3 billion
The US Air Force is seeking a cheaper, faster drone replacement for its MQ-9 Reaper fleet following significant combat losses in the Middle East. The new program, called Massed Modular Aircraft, aims to provide similar capabilities at a fraction of the cost.
Why it matters
The shift reflects a strategic pivot toward more expendable, cost-effective military hardware in response to modern asymmetric warfare threats.
The US Air Force wants a cheaper and faster replacement for its dwindling fleet of MQ-9A Reapers. The force is seeking a unit price of around USD 10 million for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which is considerably less than the USD 30-50 million dollars for a fully equipped aircraft. The urgency to bring in the new aircraft is caused by the loss of many of these aircraft in the ongoing operations in Iran as well as over Yemen.The new drone programme, called the Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA), is expected to retain the MQ-9A's ISR and strike capability according to Air Force Lieutenant General Christopher Niemi, the service's Chief Modernization Officer.
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