MQ- 9 Reaper Unmanned Aircraft System
Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP)
Program facts
- Program number
- 424
- Short name
- MQ-9 Reaper
- Acquisition pathway
- Major Capability Acquisition (MCA)
- Acquisition category
- ACAT IC
- Acquisition status
- Full operational capability or full deployment (FOC/FD)
- Lead component
-
Air Force
Department of Defense
- Contract awards
- 256
- Contract obligations
- $7,931,907,621 Since fiscal year 2015
Program details come from the Department of Defense's acquisition program list. Contract figures come from SAM.gov (formerly FPDS).
Contract obligations by fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Obligated |
|---|---|
| FY2026 | $598,908,096 |
| FY2025 | $593,372,820 |
| FY2024 | $824,719,915 |
| FY2023 | $566,286,462 |
| FY2022 | $605,700,971 |
| FY2021 | $687,676,359 |
| FY2020 | $568,983,811 |
| FY2019 | $1,074,866,411 |
| FY2018 | $918,401,140 |
| FY2017 | $607,660,868 |
Top contractors by obligations
| Rank | Contractor | Obligated | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. | $6,645,864,516 | |
| 2 | Raytheon Company | $616,501,849 | |
| 3 | Amentum Services, Inc. | $152,345,496 | |
| 4 | L3 Technologies, Inc. | $94,663,061 | |
| 5 | Nisga'a Tek, LLC | $93,677,068 | |
| 6 | BAE Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc. | $53,071,707 | |
| 7 | Cape Fox Federal Integrators, LLC | $47,447,727 | |
| 8 | UAV Communications, Inc. | $45,458,145 | |
| 9 | Iron Bow Technologies, LLC | $36,187,062 | |
| 10 | Tenax Technologies LLC | $34,643,168 |
10 of 46 contractors listed here. See the rest on GovTribe.
Contract awards
Show 40 more
Latest 50 of 256 listed here. See the rest on GovTribe.
About this program
The MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aircraft System is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed under the Major Capability Acquisition pathway with an Acquisition Category IC designation. The program encompasses the procurement, sustainment, and enhancement of medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles primarily used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. The system includes the aircraft platforms, ground control stations, mission systems, sensors, communication equipment, and associated support infrastructure required for military operations.
Contract awards under this program typically range from small purchases of computer equipment and software (approximately $5,000-$250,000) to major aircraft production orders exceeding $300 million, with performance periods spanning from immediate delivery to multi-year agreements through 2029. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is the predominant prime contractor for aircraft production and major systems, while companies like Iron Bow Technologies, Raytheon, and L3 Technologies frequently win significant contracts for specific subsystems and components. Notable subcontractors include Honeywell, Parker Hannifin, and various specialized electronics and aerospace manufacturers. The primary funding agencies are the Air Force Materiel Command Aeronautical Systems Center and Naval Air Systems Command, with work typically performed in Poway, California, and other U.S. locations. While most contracts are unrestricted, some awards utilize 8(a) and other small business set-asides, particularly for support services and IT procurement.
Quick answers
What is MQ-9 Reaper?
MQ- 9 Reaper Unmanned Aircraft System (MQ-9 Reaper) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) led by the Air Force. It follows the Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) pathway and is ACAT IC. Its acquisition status is full operational capability or full deployment (FOC/FD).
How much has MQ-9 Reaper obligated on contracts?
256 contract awards are coded to MQ-9 Reaper, and their actions have obligated $7,931,907,621 since fiscal year 2015.
Who are the top contractors on MQ-9 Reaper?
The contractors obligated the most on MQ-9 Reaper contracts are General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. ($6,645,864,516), Raytheon Company ($616,501,849) and Amentum Services, Inc. ($152,345,496).
How much did MQ-9 Reaper obligate in fiscal year 2025?
Contracts coded to MQ-9 Reaper obligated $593,372,820 in fiscal year 2025.
What is the latest contract award for MQ-9 Reaper?
The latest contract award coded to MQ-9 Reaper is FA868926FB001, awarded to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. on May 26, 2026.
On GovTribe
See this program's full record
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