MQ-9 UAV

Mission — MQ-9 Upgrade source

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.

Mission — MQ-9 SLAM source

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 — MQ-9 UAV source

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 — Squadron Operations Centers (SOC) source

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.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (5)