What Happened
Air Force Seeks Cheaper Alternative To Reaper Drone
The US Air Force is planning to launch a concept refinement phase for a new program aimed at replacing the MQ-9A Reaper with a cheaper and mass-producible alternative. The program, set to begin by the end of the year, will involve selecting multiple vendors to participate in the next phase. This initiative is part of the Air Force’s efforts to develop a more cost-effective and scalable drone solution. According to Aviation Week, the plan includes a Collaborative Combat Aircraft-style concept refinement phase, which may lead to increased innovation and collaboration within the defense industry.