USAF moves to accelerate massed modular aircraft development

The U.S. Air Force is accelerating its Massed Modular Aircraft effort after combat losses of MQ-9A Reapers during the war with Iran exposed the difficulty of replacing high-value unmanned aircraft quickly. Air Force leaders want a more attritable fleet built in greater numbers, but acknowledged that MMAs cannot be purchased immediately and that replacing lost Reapers will take years. Earlier planning called for 20 aircraft to reach initial operating capability by 2031. The Defense Innovation Unit estimates that fielding an MMA prototype could require roughly three years.