MQ-9 drones emerge as key US strike asset in Iran operations: Pentagon
Washington, May 22
The US Air Force's MQ-9 Reaper drones emerged as one of the most heavily used platforms during recent operations linked to Iran, senior Air Force officials told lawmakers this week, describing the unmanned aircraft as a critical force multiplier in combat missions across the Middle East.
Speaking before Congressional committees this week, Air Force Chief of Staff General Kenneth Wilsbach said the MQ-9 had played a major operational role during Operation Epic Fury, underlining the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.
"For Epic Fury, perhaps maybe the most valuable player was unmanned and that's the MQ-9," Wilsbach told lawmakers during a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee.
"We've made many, many strikes. I don't want to say how many because the number's classified, but no other platform is even close to the MQ-9."
The comments came as the Department of the Air Force defended its proposed FY2027 budget before both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees amid growing debate in Washington over future air combat strategy, unmanned systems and readiness.
Wilsbach said the MQ-9 provided "a lot of utility" while reducing risks to pilots and crews.
He added that unmanned systems were becoming increasingly central to US military operations, although he cautioned that fully autonomous combat aviation was still some distance away.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink also told lawmakers the service was not retiring the MQ-9 fleet despite broader force modernisation plans. Instead, the Air Force was looking at future successor systems that could operate alongside manned fighters and other autonomous aircraft.
"We are not divesting the MQ-9," Meink said during the Congressional hearing.
"We are looking at what is the follow-on to the MQ-9 aircraft, and it's probably going to be not one platform, it'll probably be multiple platforms."
Congressional leaders repeatedly pressed Air Force officials on the balance between costly next-generation fighter aircraft and lower-cost autonomous systems.
General Wilsbach pointed to the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), describing them as autonomous systems designed to operate alongside manned fighters such as the F-47, F-22 and F-35.
He said the systems were already flying and demonstrating promising capabilities.
"The autonomous systems are working," Wilsbach told Senators.
"We're learning from it and adjusting as we go."
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike D Rogers urged the Air Force to think beyond traditional manned fighters and move towards remotely operated combat aircraft to reduce risks to pilots and lower operational costs.
The Pentagon's proposed FY2027 budget includes $1.4 billion for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) development as part of a broader push towards autonomy, artificial intelligence and advanced battle management systems.
--IANS
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— IANS
Reader Comments
The MQ-9 Reaper is effective but expensive. The Pentagon spending $1.4 billion on Collaborative Combat Aircraft development is huge. India needs to balance between buying foreign drones like the MQ-9B and developing indigenous ones. We have to think long-term—being a service provider is better than being a perpetual buyer.
Modi ji needs to take note: drones are the future of air combat. But we must be cautious—over-reliance on foreign technology like the MQ-9 could harm our strategic autonomy. Make in India in drones must be our priority. Also, what about border security? Can we use more drones along the LAC to reduce foot patrols? 🇮🇳
As an American, this makes me nervous. The MQ-9 is effective in taking out terrorists, but it also leads to civilian casualties that fuel anger and insurgency. The Pentagon's push for autonomy and AI in warfare is scary. We need more oversight, not just budget increases. The cost of war is more than dollars.
MQ-9 Reaper is a game-changer, no doubt. But why is the US spending so much on these when China and Russia are also advancing their drone tech? India should closely watch these developments and form partnerships with Israel for cross-drone technology. Also, the ethical dimension—drones can make war too easy, and that's dangerous.
This is fascinating from a tech perspective. The MQ-9 has been around since the
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.