An MQ-9 Reaper assigned to the 29th Attack Squadron crashed on final approach at Holloman AFB, N.M., last week, according to base officials. The remotely piloted aircraft, operated by one of Air Combat Command’s RPA flying training units, had just completed a local training mission when the incident occurred on Oct. 7. There were no injuries or damage to private property, according to a base release. A board will convene to investigate the cause of the accident. This is one of several RPA mishaps at Holloman since its schoolhouse began operations in September 2009.
The Space Force’s fiscal 2027 budget request includes about $2.5 billion for commercial services like satellite communications and off-the-shelf capabilities, but officials say commercial components and technology are embedded throughout programs, making the true allocation much higher.