For the past four years, the idea of autonomous drone warfare like Collaborative Combat Aircraft has been discussed as a future concept, rather than near-term reality. But now that promised vision appears imminent, with the Air Force promising at least 1,000 such drones by 2032.
Lt. Gen. Christopher J. Niemi
The Air Force is accelerating its plans to field an MQ-9A replacement in the wake of heavy Reaper losses in operations against Iran, top officials said Sept. 3, and they’re targeting a price point of just $10 million per aircraft.
The White House nominated Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Niemi for a third star to head a revamped A5/7 directorate and become the Air Force's first Chief Modernization Officer.