The U.S. Air Force plans to purchase an undisclosed number of MQ-9 Reaper drones from General Atomics, according to The War Zone. Following the reported loss of dozens of these aircraft in recent conflicts with Iran, this decision was confirmed on Friday.
What happened
After battling Iran, which reportedly resulted in the loss of nearly 30 MQ-9 Reapers, the Air Force confirmed its intention to acquire additional units. A spokesperson indicated that the Air Force intends to purchase several unused MQ-9A Block 5 aircraft, specifically those that were manufactured but are now no longer required by other customers.
“The available aircraft are currently GA-ASI owned,” the spokesperson stated. “The USAF has received funds to begin the acquisition process.”
Despite the Air Force’s efforts, General Atomics has noted that it has fewer than 10 MQ-9 drones available for purchase. This scarcity raises significant concerns about the Air Force’s ability to replenish its fleet after the heavy losses sustained in operations in and around the Middle East.
Why it matters
The reported losses, equating to a value of approximately $1 billion, highlight the challenges faced by the Air Force in maintaining operational readiness. The urgent procurement signifies a struggle to meet military needs amid ongoing strategic challenges.
These developments come as the Air Force grapples with criticism regarding the MQ-9’s survivability and overall value for future operations. The current fleet of MQ-9A units has decreased to 135, down from 231 at the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025.
Background
On May 13, 2026, Lt. Gen. David Tabor acknowledged the critical situation, indicating that the Air Force is actively exploring options to replace lost drones. “We’re looking at options to buy back as many of the MQ-9As as we possibly can right now,” Tabor told Congress.
The ongoing conflicts have taken a toll on the MQ-9 fleet, with many being lost during operations against Iranian forces and other threats in the region.
What’s next
The Air Force’s acquisition process for several MQ-9A Block 5 drones is set to commence immediately, with no indication of when additional units may become available from General Atomics or elsewhere.
