After “concerning” losses, the Air Force is pushing to replace the MQ-9 Reaper faster, according to Lt. Gen. Christopher Niemi. Niemi said that pursuing the same approach used with the MQ-9 would likely keep costs about the same as an MQ-9.
WHO:Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher Niemi
WHAT:Said the Air Force is pushing to replace the MQ-9 Reaper faster and warned that repeating the MQ-9 approach would keep costs similar.
WHEN:Reported Sep 2, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET
WHERE:USA
WHY:The push is prompted by “concerning” losses involving the MQ-9 Reaper.
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