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doctrine-change2026-05-13 15:17 UTC🇺🇸 United States (US Air Force requirements decision; specific location not stated)

US Air Force approves requirements for MQ-9A Reaper replacement program

The US Air Force has greenlit requirements for a replacement to the MQ-9A Reaper drone, signaling movement toward a next-generation unmanned aircraft effort. Lt. Gen. Luke Cropsey said there is growing interest across the defense industrial base in what comes next.

Details

Type
doctrine-change
Occurred
2026-05-13 15:17
Reported
2026-05-13
Location
United States (US Air Force requirements decision; specific location not stated)
Coordinates
39.7837, -100.4459
Confidence
72 / 100

Damage assessment

No damage; this is a requirements/modernization decision regarding a future MQ-9A replacement.

Drones involved

MQ-9 Reaper· strike

Sources

US Air Force approves requirements for MQ-9A Reaper replacement program | AISAR