The Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking a new hunter-killer drone similar to the MQ-9A Reaper, but designed for high-volume, low-cost production within five years. The "Massed Modular Aircraft" (MMA) project aims to address the unsustainable reliance on high-value drones that have suffered significant combat losses, with nearly 30 MQ-9As reportedly lost in operations against Iran. A winning design is expected to fly as a full-scale prototype within 21 months, with the goal of having 20 mission-ready drones operational by fiscal 2031. The MMA is not explicitly a direct Reaper replacement but is envisioned for strike and reconnaissance missions, requiring a payload of at least 2,800 pounds and the ability to self-deploy 8,000 nautical miles. The project emphasizes modularity and a lower price point, with "exquisite" drones defined as those costing $30 million or more. General Atomics, which stopped making new MQ-9A drones in 2025, has confirmed it will compete for the contract, with its president stating the company will offer a superior product. The contract will be issued as an Other Transaction agreement to encourage participation from nontraditional contractors.
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