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Air Force Advances MMA Drone Program Amid Increased Demand for Autonomy

Air Force Advances MMA Drone Program Amid Increased Demand for Autonomy

First seen 30 Sep 2026, 19:28 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •September 30, 2026 at 21:38 UTC
  • •Seven companies selected for MMA drone development.
  • •Air Force aims for 500 MMAs by 2032 at $10 million each.
  • •Urgent need for affordable drones after MQ-9 losses in Iran.

The U.S. Air Force has selected seven companies to compete in developing low-cost, semi-autonomous drones to replace the MQ-9A Reaper. This decision follows the loss of multiple MQ-9s during operations against Iran earlier in 2026, highlighting a need for more affordable and attritable aircraft. The selected companies include Anduril, General Atomics, and Shield AI, among others. The Air Force aims to field 500 Massed Modular Aircraft (MMAs) by 2032, with a target cost of $10 million per airframe. The Defense Innovation Unit initiated this program to address the unsustainable costs of current military drones. The urgency for these new drones is underscored by the anticipated need for prototypes within a year and a full-scale deployment by 2029. The MMA program is part of a broader shift towards integrating autonomous systems into military operations.

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Timeline

2026-09-14
Air Force Secretary announces MMA goals
Secretary Troy Meink stated the goal to field 500 MMAs by 2032 during the AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference.
Airandspaceforces
2026-09-30
Air Force announces seven companies for MMA program
The Air Force confirmed seven companies will compete to develop low-cost, semi-autonomous drones to replace the MQ-9A Reaper.
Airandspaceforces

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Common questions

Who are the companies selected for the MMA program?
The selected companies include Anduril, General Atomics, Shield AI, and others.
What is the timeline for the MMA program?
The Air Force aims to have prototypes within a year and plans to field the drones by 2029.
Why is the MMA program being developed?
The program is a response to the loss of MQ-9s in operations and the need for more affordable, attritable drones.