H.R. 9119: To provide a prohibition on certain reductions to MQ–9 aircraft units, and for other purposes.

This bill aims to prohibit reductions in the MQ-9 aircraft units operated by the Air Force during a specified period. Here’s a breakdown of its key provisions:

1. Prohibition on Reductions to MQ-9 Aircraft

Under this bill, the Secretary of the Air Force would not be allowed to:

• Divest or reduce any MQ-9 aircraft or units, which includes actions such as deactivating, redesignating, consolidating, transferring, or placing them in backup inventory status.
• Lower the number of MQ-9 aircraft assigned to the Air National Guard or the primary mission aircraft inventory of the Air Force below current levels.
• Change the designed operational capability of any MQ-9 unit to reduce its capabilities compared to what is specified at the time the bill is enacted.
• Reduce the number of personnel assigned to MQ-9 units if it would affect their operational capabilities.

2. Exceptions

The bill allows for certain exceptions to the prohibition:

• If the Secretary determines an individual MQ-9 is unsafe to operate, uneconomical to repair, or has become non-mission capable due to various reasons such as damage or obsolescence.
• If a unit is assigned a new primary mission and this transition maintains or enhances operational capability, with the governor's approval and a detailed plan submitted to Congress.

3. Consultation Requirement

The Secretary must consult with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau and the Director of the Air National Guard before making any changes that might impact the MQ-9 units assigned to the Air National Guard.

4. Report on Recapitalization Plan

The Secretary of the Air Force is required to submit a report within 180 days after the bill enactment. This report should include:

• Assessment of the current operational status, expected service life, and mission requirements of the MQ-9 fleet.
• Details of planned modernization efforts, sustainment activities, and upgrades for the MQ-9 aircraft through 2035.
• Options for recapitalization or modernization of the MQ-9 aircraft.
• The role of the Air National Guard in future MQ-9 force structures and recapitalization strategies.
• Projected timelines and estimated funding needed for recapitalization.
• Any legislative authorities necessary to implement the recapitalization plan.

5. Definitions

A few terms are defined within the bill:

• Congressional defense committees: Refers to specific committees defined in U.S. law related to defense.
• Covered period: The time frame during which the restrictions apply, starting from the bill's enactment date until September 30, 2032.
• Designed operational capability statement: Defined in Air Force Instruction, it details the operational capabilities expected from the MQ-9 units.

Relevant Companies

• BA (Boeing) - As a manufacturer of the MQ-9 Predator drone, Boeing may see implications in terms of maintenance and production timelines if the fleet is standardized and modernization efforts are undertaken.
• RTX (Raytheon Technologies) - Involved in defense technologies, Raytheon may be impacted if upgrades or modifications to the MQ-9 require new systems or technology enhancements.