What Happened
Seven Defense Contractors Advance in Low-Cost Drone Competition
The US Air Force has narrowed the field to seven companies that will compete to develop low-cost, semi-autonomous drones for the Massed Modular Aircraft program. The selected companies, including Anduril, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and Shield AI, will submit proposals to build a prototype MMA. The Air Force aims to field 500 MMAs by 2032, with a target price point of around $10 million per airframe. The program is a response to the loss of dozens of MQ-9s in operations against Iran earlier this year, and the need for affordable, attritable drones that can overwhelm enemy defenses. This development was first reported by Air & Space Forces Magazine.