Image: US Air Force via Wikimedia Commons
The US Air Force is defining requirements for a new generation of uncrewed intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike aircraft. The service wants systems that are cheaper, more modular and easier to mass produce than the current MQ-9 Reaper fleet, as per a recent press statement.
Partnership with DIU
The Air Force has partnered with the Defense Innovation Unit to speed up development. DIU brings experience in rapidly prototyping and fielding commercial technology. Officials say this collaboration will directly shape requirements for the MQ-9’s eventual successor.
Lt Gen Chris Niemi, Headquarters Air Force chief modernisation officer, commented: “Future conflicts will demand greater mass, faster adaptation and the ability to absorb operational losses while continuing to generate combat effects.” He added that the goal is to give commanders more options through platforms that are modular, lower cost and easier to mass produce.
Balancing today’s fleet with tomorrow’s design
The Air Force continues to maintain its existing MQ-9 fleet through repairs and airframe procurement, meeting current combatant commander needs. But long-term planning centres on mass, manoeuvre, persistence and distributed lethality. Future ISR platforms will be built for higher production volumes and greater risk tolerance from the outset.
Open architecture as a foundation
Open systems architecture and modular design sit at the heart of this strategy. Rather than adding interoperability later, the Air Force now treats it as a baseline requirement. Niemi explained that open architectures let sensors, weapons and software integrate faster, while modular designs allow platforms to adapt to mission risk.
The Air Force is using DIU’s Commercial Solutions Opening pathway to prototype with commercial and non-traditional partners. Further detail on the Massed Modular Aircraft solicitation is available via the DIU website.
Read more on the US Air Force website
