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doctrine-change2026-05-13 18:15 UTC
US Air Force MQ-9 fleet reduced to about 135 after combat attrition in Operation Epic Fury
US Air Force officials told senators the MQ-9 Reaper inventory has fallen to roughly 135 aircraft due to combat attrition in Operation Epic Fury, described as losses in the Middle East involving Iran. The Air Force is seeking to buy back MQ-9As and is pursuing an 'attritable' next-generation ISR aircraft with modular sensors to better survive contested airspace.
Details
Type
doctrine-change
Occurred
2026-05-13 18:15
Reported
2026-05-13
Location
Middle East (exact locations not specified)
Coordinates
39.3014, -76.5888
Confidence
62 / 100
Damage assessment
MQ-9 Reaper fleet attrited to roughly 135 aircraft; Air Force pursuing inventory backfill and an attritable ISR successor program (requirements signed May 11; RFI issued April 14).