Printed from https://fiscalreceipts.com/program/0205219F/ — built September 26, 2026. Every figure is citation-backed; see the page online for per-number provenance.
MQ-9 UAV
Watch this program
Budget figures
FY2026 award data is a partial year — USAspending reports awards on a rolling basis, and this corpus runs through 2026-09-04. why partial FY2026 data? →
Budget trajectory
| Fiscal year | Amount |
|---|---|
| FY24 | $82.4M |
| FY25 | $7.07M |
| FY26 | $26.7M |
All series figures: R-1 TOA · PB2026
Decade view
P-1/R-1 workbook TOA basis, shown compact in $B/$M (the workbook records USD thousands); each figure cites its own President's Budget edition
The vertical scale does not start at zero: the baseline sits just below this program’s smallest year, so a low point on this line is not a small amount. Read the shape for direction and the grid below for the figures.
● actuals (line) · ○ enacted · ◇ request — gaps are editions the program is absent from, never interpolated.
| Series | FY15 | FY16 | FY17 | FY18 | FY19 | FY20 | FY21 | FY22 | FY23 | FY24 | FY25 | FY26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actuals | $141.5M | $124.7M | $167.2M | $184.4M | $105.1M | $122.9M | $103.2M | $76.8M | $144.8M | $82.4M | ||
| Enacted | $122.7M | $151.4M | $201.4M | $108.8M | $127.3M | $106.9M | $79.1M | $145.5M | $81.1M | $7.07M | ||
| Request | $151.4M | $201.4M | $119.8M | $155.0M | $162.1M | $85.1M | $98.5M | $81.1M | $7.07M | $26.7M |
blank = series not published for this year; – = absent from that edition.
Asked vs spent: the PB2021 book requested $162.1M for FY2021; the PB2023 book reported $103.2M as actual total obligation authority — $58.8M below the request. 103.25 − 162.08 = -58.83 USD millions — the compact figures above are rounded for reading.
Program lineage
No predecessor/successor lineage was recorded for this program element — no FY-to-FY transfer into or out of this line was stated in the ingested J-books, and none was inferred from the program structure.
Description
Mission — MQ-9 UAV
The MQ-9 Reaper system is a modular and adaptable system comprised of the Aircraft, sensors, Ground Control Station (GCS), communications equipment, weapon kits, support equipment, simulator and training devices, Readiness Spares Packages (RSP), technical data/training, and required personnel to operate, maintain, and sustain the system. Mission-specific equipment is employed to allow specific aircraft and GCS configurations to be tailored to fit mission needs. Current President's Budget request supports 56 Combat Lines to meet DoD force offering requirements to combat threats. The three key development programs in this Program Element are: MQ-9 System Lifecycle Agile Modernization (SLAM) enabling rapid fielding of new software, hardware, and integration; Squadron Operations Centers (SOC) for development and fielding of standardized operations centers necessary for remote split operations, to provide mission data and tasking information to aircrew, and to disseminate and/or exchange mission data with the intelligence community; and MQ-9 Upgrade for improving existing systems. The Air Force established the MQ-9 Multi-Domain Operations (M2DO) configuration with enhancements consisting of Anti-Jamming GPS, Enhanced Power, Link 16, Open Mission System (OMS) (to include Stellar Relay and Intelligent Electronics Unit (iEU)), and Command and Control (C2) Resiliency to maintain its viability in modern conflict. The FY 2026 request was reduced by -$1.026M for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative.” This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F. In FY2024 .759M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element and in FY2025 0M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.
Mission — MQ-9 SLAM
The MQ-9 System Lifecycle Agile Modernization (SLAM) Program enables rapid fielding of new software, hardware, and integration for the MQ-9 fleet to meet evolving mission needs. The objective is to rapidly field new software, hardware, and sustainability improvements into the MQ-9 fleet, addressing requirements from the Combat Capability List (CCL). These requirements include but are not limited to: MQ-9 Multi-Domain Operations (M2DO); streamlining system configurations; performing technology upgrades; enhancing pilot awareness and usability; improving reconnaissance, targeting, and exploitation capabilities; expanding weapons system selection and lethality; increasing suitability for diverse operational theaters; improving security and self-protection measures; reducing the logistics footprint; providing warfighter training; concept exploration; Diminishing Manufacturing Source (DMS); and developing prototypes. MQ-9 is currently supporting Joint Urgent Operational Need (JUON) CC-0575, CC-0578, and EC-0020. M2DO configuration consists of Anti-Jamming GPS, Enhanced Power, Link 16, Open Mission System (OMS) (to include Stellar Relay and Intelligent Electronics Unit (iEU)), and Command and Control (C2) Resiliency to maintain its viability in modern conflict. In the FY2025 PB there was a database error which incorrectly placed the entire budget of $6.814M in the MQ-9 Upgrade BPAC (675249). The Air Force will execute the FY2025 budget out of both the MQ-9 Upgrade BPAC (675249) and the MQ-9 SLAM BPAC (675212). This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F.
Mission — Squadron Operations Centers (SOC)
The SOC is required to employ Remote Split Operations (RSO). It provides the communications, network, aircraft control and sensor distribution circuits to effectively execute RSO missions. The SOC provides CONUS-based aircrews mission data, tasking, and ability to disseminate and exchange mission data with decision-makers and intelligence entities. This effort defines component standards, develops, and integrates new technologies to maintain currency with technological and platform advancements. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F.
Mission — MQ-9 Upgrade
The MQ-9 Upgrade Program delivers new software, hardware, and integrations to the MQ-9 fleet to keep pace with changing mission demands. The goal is to introduce improvements in software, hardware, and sustainability, addressing requirements outlined in the Combat Capability List (CCL). These requirements encompass a wide range of areas, including MQ-9 Multi-Domain Operations (M2DO), simplified system configurations, technology upgrades, enhanced pilot awareness, improved reconnaissance and targeting, expanded weapon options, increased adaptability to different environments, better security, reduced logistical burden, warfighter training, and addressing parts obsolescence. The MQ-9 program is currently supporting Joint Urgent Operational Needs requests CC-0575, CC-0578, and EC-0020. M2DO configuration consists of Anti-Jamming GPS, Enhanced Power, Link 16, Open Mission System (OMS) (to include Stellar Relay and Intelligent Electronics Unit (iEU)), and Command and Control (C2) Resiliency to maintain its viability in modern conflict. In the FY2025 PB there was a database error which incorrectly placed the entire budget of $6.814M in the MQ-9 Upgrade BPAC (675249). The Air Force will execute the FY2025 budget out of both the MQ-9 Upgrade BPAC (675249) and the MQ-9 SLAM BPAC (675212). This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F.
Justification
Accomplishments & Planned Programs (5)
MQ-9 SLAM
This program develops and integrates upgrades for the MQ-9 modernization strategy. It uses a combined event-driven and schedule-driven process to deliver new capabilities, including upgrades to aircraft, ground control stations, communications, operator simulators, payloads, software, resolving manufacturing issues, developing reliability and maintainability (R&M) improvements, studies, concept exploration, and M2DO development and integration. Candidate capabilities are determined by Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), and input from stakeholders, including urgent operational needs requests. SLAM develops and fields the Operational Flight Program (OFP) for the MQ-9 enterprise.
Test Support
Provides support for, but is not limited to, activities for MQ-9 testing of weapon system hardware/software testing in accordance with contract standards, developmental testing of new capabilities, and R&M upgrades.
Squadron Operations Center
Development of a SOC common to Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), and Air National Guard (ANG). Major capabilities include secure mission communications; data reception, recording, editing, analysis, dissemination, and exchange; mission planning, preparation, and support; mission execution (e.g., updates to threat tracking and targeting, weather tracking, mission status and capability; tactical situational awareness; etc.); and mission reconstruction and debriefing.
MQ-9 Upgrade
Develop and integrate upgrade capabilities in support of the MQ-9 Upgrade Strategy. Development will combine the rigor of an event driven development process (referred to as Technology Maturation Effort (TME)) with the expeditious delivery of a schedule driven integration and fielding process. New capabilities include, but are not limited to, upgrades of existing aircraft, Ground Control Stations (GCSs), communication capabilities, payload systems, and the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS-B). Upgrade capabilities also include software updates, the addition of new capabilities and subsystems, development of operator simulators for training purposes and the resolution of DMS issues. Candidate capabilities are determined by Major Command (Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC)) direction and inputs that included Joint Urgent Operational Need (JUON) and Urgent Operational Need (UON) requests. There will be cost sharing on development, where appropriate, on joint efforts that are required by all programs to support the new capabilities.
Test Support
MQ-9 Upgrade testing provides support including, but not limited to: activities for MQ-9 testing of weapon system hardware and software in accordance with contract standards, developmental testing of new capabilities, and R&M upgrades.
Budget line items(workbook-cited)
P-1/R-1 workbook Total Obligation Authority basis (USD thousands) · PB2026.
Exhibit R-1
| Account | Org | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY24 Actuals | $82.4M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY25 Enacted | $7.07M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY25 Total | $7.07M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY26 Disc. Request | $26.7M |
| Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force | F | FY26 Total | $26.7M |
Budget Details(R-2/P-40 facts)
J-book detail basis (R-2/P-40, USD millions) · PB2026 — a different accounting basis from the P-1/R-1 workbook TOA above; where the two disagree, the reconciliation strip under Budget figures shows both.
Wider than this screen — swipe the table sideways for the remaining fiscal-year columns.
| Project | All Prior Years | FY24 Actuals | FY25 Total | FY26 Base | FY26 Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Element | $0 | $82.4M | $7.07M | $26.7M | $26.7M |
| 675212: MQ-9 SLAM | $0 | $82.1M | $0 | $26.4M | $26.4M |
| 675247: Squadron Operations Centers (SOC) | $0 | $277.0K | $260.0K | $296.0K | $296.0K |
| 675249: MQ-9 Upgrade | $0 | $0 | $6.81M | $0 | $0 |
Follow the dollar
Appropriation → program element → top high-confidence awards → recipient families → congressional districts.
Follow-the-dollar covers 312 of 1,938 programs — only high-confidence budget→award links are shown. why coverage is partial? →
The diagram illustrates the cited table below — amounts shown in the diagram are transaction sums per award (no citation chips); the per-district obligations in the table cite USAspending queries.
| District | Program obligations |
|---|---|
| CA-48 | $55.5M |
Related awards
Award linkage is shown for 32 of 200 profiled companies — high- and medium-confidence USAspending matches, each row labeled; medium is the weaker evidence. why partial award coverage? →
Rows marked medium rest on evidence weaker than a program-level match, and of more than one kind. An account-based row, where the award drew from the same appropriation account as this program, is an association, not evidence that this program paid for the contract. Where the evidence is instead an FPDS acquisition-program tag or a subaward description, the program is established but which of its budget lines paid is not. An announcement link a recorded review did not leave standing is medium too. Only high rows rest on the contract naming this program with a recorded review upholding it and no recorded rejection or refutation applying.
Showing 25 of 31 award records (this program's published budget→award crosswalk links — see methodology)
| Recipient | PIID | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862018F2363 | high |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862019F2386 | high |
| ALPHA-OMEGA CHANGE ENGINEERING, INC. | FA862016C3024 | medium |
| BLUE TECH INC. | FA862020F2010 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862016C3003 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862018F2366 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862018F2372 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862018F2803 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862019F2309 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862019F2376 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862019F2387 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862019F2393 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862019F2807 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862019F2810 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862019F2811 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862019F2815 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862020F2383 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862020F2820 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA862020F2823 | medium |
| GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS, INC. | FA868921F2802 | medium |
| IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC | FA862020F2008 | medium |
| IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC | FA862020F2009 | medium |
| IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC | FA862020F2011 | medium |
| IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC | FA862020F2012 | medium |
| IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC | FA862020F2013 | medium |
Contractor concentration
No concentration index is published for this line. This line's high-confidence links do not clear the floor for a published concentration index — at least 3 awards across 2 contractor families holding positive obligations, with positive net linked dollars. An index below that floor is a fact about the sample, not about the market. Whatever further links this line carries are medium-confidence, and what each medium evidence path does and does not establish is set out in the methodology. Both bases are in the downloadable warehouse.
Lobbying mentions
No Senate LDA lobbying filing in the tracked data mentions this program element by code or alias.
Oversight
Department-level designation (not specific to this program)
GAO lists 5 high-risk areas for DOD as a whole. That designation covers the department, not MQ-9 UAV. No program-specific GAO finding for this line is in the ingested data. See the DOD oversight record.
Program dossier
No research dossier for this program — dossiers cover 50 of 1,938 programs, the largest fully J-book-detailed lines by FY2026 requested dollars. why no dossier here? →
Primary sources
Open any budget figure for its exact receipt. Verified line items lead with the highlighted government PDF; original spreadsheets download with their budget edition and exhibit in the filename.
Budget totals · TOA sources
FY2026 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J672
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2026_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2017 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J580
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2017_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2018 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J661
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2018_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2019 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J686
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2019_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2020 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J685
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2020_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2021 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J706
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2021_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2022 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J670
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2022_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2023 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J642
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2023_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2024 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J633
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2024_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
FY2025 Department of Defense Budget: RDT&E Programs (R-1) · comptroller.war.gov
Exhibit R-1 · J653
Complete workbook · unchanged saved copy. Saves as PB2025_DoD_R-1_Research-Development-Test-Evaluation.xlsx.
Detailed budget justification
The related TOA spreadsheets above use a different accounting basis from R-2/P-40 detail. Their amounts are not assumed to match these detailed sources.
FY2026 Air Force Research and Development Test and Evaluation, Vol. I · www.saffm.hq.af.mil
PDF page 19