The U.S. Air Force is accelerating the development of a low-cost, reusable drone to replace the MQ-9 Reaper.

The new drone, “Massive Modular Aircraft,” will cost about $10 million—one-third the price of the Reaper—and at least 180 units are planned.

The reason: 45 Reaper drones have been lost in the war with Iran, accounting for about 25% of the fleet and more than $1 billion lost.

Production ended in 2025, so there is no way to replace them.

A senior general said they are consuming Reaper drones “at a worrying rate.”