USAF calls MQ-9 Reaper “MVP” for Epic Fury and pitches expendable autonomous-drone propulsion as lawmakers push manned-unmanned
US Air Force leaders told Congress on May 20 that the MQ-9 Reaper has been a key “workhorse” in the U.S. air campaign against Iran, even as the service’s fiscal 2027 budget request prioritizes crewed fighters. In parallel, GE Aerospace and Kratos won a May 19 contract to design the GE426 expendable drone engine for autonomous aircraft.