https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/after-concerning-losses-air-force-pushes-to-replace-reaper-fasterContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/after-concerning-losses-air-force-pushes-to-replace-reaper-fasterhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/after-concerning-losses-air-force-pushes-to-replace-reaper-faster#u64511Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:56:40 +0000The US Air Force is fast-tracking a cheaper, simpler successor to the MQ-9A Reaper drone after losing dozens of aircraft during operations in Iran. The service is prioritizing a platform that provides safety through numbers, allowing for more flexible deployment in contested environments without high financial risk. General Atomics has unveiled the Wildfire drone as a candidate for the Massed Modular Aircraft program, which is managed by the Air Force and the Defense Innovation Unit to deliver new strike and ISR capabilities to the frontlines.Why it mattersCurrent Reaper drones are too expensi https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/after-concerning-losses-air-force-pushes-to-replace-reaper-fasterhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/after-concerning-losses-air-force-pushes-to-replace-reaper-faster#u58359Sat, 05 Sep 2026 18:37:40 +0000The US Air Force is speeding up the development of a low-cost successor to the MQ-9A Reaper drone following heavy combat losses during operations against Iran. The service aims to replace the Reaper with a more affordable platform to mitigate the impact of losing expensive assets in contested environments. This shift in timeline reflects a need for a drone that can be deployed more flexibly without the high financial risk associated with the current fleet.Why it mattersThe MQ-9A Reaper has served as a primary remotely piloted aircraft for surveillance and strike missions. High attrition rates