An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft crashed during a routine training sortie from Creech AFB, Nev., early on Dec. 11, 432nd Wing officials stated. The Reaper went down in an unpopulated area approximately one mile east of the base. Emergency responders were able to cordon off the wreck-site, and no Air Force or civilian personnel were injured in the mishap. Wing officials will release more information as it becomes available, according to a release. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
U.S. munitions have been expended at a high rate during Operation Epic Fury against Iran, prompting concerns that the Pentagon is eating into weapons stockpiles it needs to deter threats around the world. Yet the newly released $1.5 trillion defense budget request was developed before the war against Iran and…