The Pentagon is looking for a cost-effective alternative to the MQ-9 Reaper drone, which has suffered substantial losses in recent wars. With approximately 135 Reapers in service, each costing around $30 million, the current loss rate is unsustainable.
The Defense Innovation Unit is seeking a new drone that can execute missions similar to the MQ-9A but at a lower cost. The Massed Modular Aircraft project aims to develop a UAV that can operate in large numbers, absorb heavy losses, and overwhelm enemy defenses.
The desired specifications for the new drone include a payload of at least 2,800 pounds, a combat range of 2,300 nautical miles, and a speed of at least 200 miles per hour. The project has an ambitious timeline, with full-scale prototype flight testing expected within 21 months and an initial operating capability targeted for 2031.
