An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft assigned to the 29th Attack Squadron at Holloman AFB, N.M., crashed this week, becoming the second RPA mishap at the desert base since Oct. 22. The Reaper crashed on landing Wednesday evening after returning from a training mission, according to Holloman officials. There were no injuries or property damage in the incident. Back on Oct. 22, an MQ-1 Predator, assigned to Holloman’s 6th Reconnaissance Squadron, also crashed on landing after a routine training mission. These two accidents are under investigation. By our count, this is the third RPA crash at Holloman since the base’s RPA schoolhouse assumed operations in September 2009. (Holloman release) (See Predator Crashes at Holloman from the Daily Report archives.)
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.