Build Of At Least 45 MQ-9s By Start Of FY 2029 Required By SASC Bill - Defense Daily

Senate Armed Services Committee's (SASC) version of its FY 2027 defense authorization bill would require the Air Force to field at least 45 additional MQ-9s by the start of FY 2029. The service inventory sits around 135 MQ-9A Reapers after the loss of roughly two dozen aircraft in Iran strikes, and the MQ-9A production line reportedly closed last year. The measure would be met with new MQ-9s, potentially all MQ-9Bs if the A-model line remains unavailable. The proposal reflects ongoing efforts to maintain a capable unmanned fleet as the service modernizes.

Defense Daily notes that the proposal would help counter the loss of MQ-9A aircraft and keep the fleet capable as production constraints persist. The bill's language points to a broader push to bolster unmanned systems in the Air Force's modernization slate. If enacted, the 45 additional aircraft would bolster the service's drone inventory in coming years, affecting procurement and basing decisions.