The US Air Force is moving to acquire unused MQ-9 Reaper drones from manufacturer General Atomics after suffering significant losses during operations against Iran and Iranian-backed groups in the Middle East.With the aircraft no longer in production and only available in limited numbers, the service is facing increasing challenges in replenishing its drone fleet.Air Force is looking for available ReapersThe Air Force confirmed that it plans to purchase a number of unused drones currently owned by General Atomics.“The USAF intends to purchase a number of unused MQ-9A Block 5s from GA-ASI (General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.),” a service spokesperson told TWZ.According to the service, the aircraft were originally built for anticipated customers, but were never delivered and remained available for acquisition.Air Force officials said funding has already been secured to begin the procurement process as part of a short-term effort to replace aircraft lost in recent combat operations.Losses raise questions about fleet readinessAccording to Air Force officials, the MQ-9 fleet has shrunk significantly, from 165 to about 135 aircraft at the beginning of fiscal year 2026.The reported losses have raised concerns about the Air Force’s ability to maintain operational capability while continuing missions that rely heavily on long-range surveillance and attack drones.Meanwhile, the Air Force is turning to alternative measures, including salvaging parts for retired MQ-1 Predator drones, to keep its remaining Reaper fleet operational while searching for additional aircraft.What we know about the MQ-9 ReaperThe MQ-9 Reaper is one of the US military’s most advanced remotely piloted aircraft systems, designed primarily for intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes. Developed as the successor to the MQ-1 Predator, the Reaper is larger, faster and more heavily armed.It is capable of conducting long-duration missions against high-value and time-sensitive targets while keeping airmen away from combat areas. The drone can carry a wide range of weapons, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and precision-guided bombs such as the GBU-12 Paveway II and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM).It is also equipped with advanced sensors, including infrared cameras, daylight TV cameras, laser designators and synthetic aperture radar systems. A standard MQ-9 system consists of the aircraft, ground control station, satellite communications link, and operational crew. The drone is operated remotely by a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and a sensor operator.