MQ-9 UAV

Abstract

The basic MQ-9 Reaper system consists of the aircraft, sensors, Ground Control Station (GCS), communications equipment, weapon kits, support equipment, simulator and training devices, Readiness Spares Packages (RSP), technical data/training, and personnel required to operate, maintain, and sustain the system. The system is designed to be modular and open-ended. Mission-specific equipment is employed in a plug-and-play mission kit concept allowing specific aircraft and GCS configurations to be tailored to fit mission needs. The MQ-9 Reaper system has three separate development programs. This PE includes: 1. MQ-9 System Lifecycle Agile Modernization (SLAM). This effort enables rapid fielding of new software, hardware, and sustainability for integration into the MQ-9 fleet with requirements from the Combat Capability List (CCL). 2. Squadron Operations Centers (SOC). This effort is for development and fielding of standardized operations centers. SOCs contain the equipment necessary for remote split operations, to provide mission data and tasking information to aircrew, and to disseminate and/or exchange mission data with decision-makers and the intelligence community. 3. MQ-9 Upgrade. This effort develops improvements for existing systems and fields new capabilities for the baseline MQ-9 fleet using an Agile Acquisition Strategy. The Air Force established the MQ-9 Multi-Domain Operation (M2DO) aircraft configuration which consists of multiple projects intended to keep the platform viable in the wide-spectrum of armed conflict. The configuration includes Anti-Jam Global Positioning System, Enhanced Power, Link 16, Open Mission System/Stellar Relay, enhanced data processing, and Command and Control Resiliency. The number of M2DO aircraft, and final capabilities within this configuration, are subject to change as requirements and funding evolve. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY2023 $2.314M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element and in FY2024 $3.132M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 0205219F_7_3600_PB_2025
• Change Summary Explanation: FY2023 Changes: (-$0.672M) for -$4.672M SBIR and $4M BTR FY2025 Changes: (-$44.679M) for higher Air Force priorities
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space
• Space - Satellites