Amentum has achieved a significant milestone by securing a substantial contract with the U.S. Air Force aimed at modernizing the MQ-9 Reaper fleet. This initiative is crucial in reinforcing the strategic capabilities of American unmanned aerial systems.
The contract, awarded under the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Maintenance Support IDIQ by the Air Combat Command, holds a maximum value of $995 million and spans a five-year period. Amentum is set to deliver specialized personnel, develop weapons loading strategies, and provide aerospace ground support aimed at bolstering the operational readiness of the MQ-9 at various locations domestically and internationally.
This modernization program prioritizes advanced features such as Satellite Launch and Recovery, enhanced sensor technologies, and optimized ground control operations. These upgrades are designed to ensure that the MQ-9 can maintain operational effectiveness in increasingly complex environments.
Amentum’s engagement with the MQ-9 project is part of a broader spectrum of initiatives undertaken by the U.S. Air Force to elevate unmanned platforms. The Air Force has made significant investments to expand its RQ-4 Global Hawk fleet, integrating advanced sensors and autonomous mission planning capabilities. Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman has been contracted to enhance the sensor suites and endurance capabilities of the MQ-9.
In addition, Boeing is innovating within the realm of collaborative unmanned wingman programs, working to integrate AI-driven drones with manned fighters, while Kratos Defense focuses on the modernization of smaller Group 3 and Group 4 unmanned aerial systems for quick deployment and improved battlefield interoperability.
Moreover, the Air Force has also been exploring advanced autonomous mission planning and data-sharing capabilities, enabling unmanned systems to function effectively amid more complex and contested operational settings. This ongoing modernization drives the evolution of U.S. unmanned systems, positioning them to meet the challenges of modern warfare more robustly.
