US Air Force pursues low-cost MQ-9 replacement as India expands Reaper fleet

The US Air Force is accelerating a programme to field a cost-effective successor to the MQ-9A Reaper, targeting a price around USD 10 million per unit, far below the current USD 30-50 million cost of a fully equipped aircraft. Lieutenant General Christopher Niemi said the new Massed Modular Aircraft will preserve the Reaper’s intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike functions while meeting specifications such as a minimum 200-knot speed, 2,800-pound payload, 2,300-nautical-mile combat radius and operation from 6,000-foot runways.

General Atomics has responded with its Wildfire drone, promising similar performance at a reduced cost. The push comes after the loss of at least 45 Reapers in the ongoing conflict with Iran, where their slow speed and low-altitude flight made them vulnerable. In parallel, India is finalising a purchase of 38 Reapers for its three services, a contract valued at over USD 3 billion, with 21 aircraft to be built domestically and a significant share of components sourced locally. The Indian Navy has also extended a lease on two Reapers, underscoring the platform’s importance to regional surveillance.