MQ-9 vortex BLK 5 retrofit

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is contracted by the Defense Contract Management Agency to retrofit MQ-9 Block 5 Reaper unmanned aircraft with extended-range (ER) capabilities, including field-retrofittable wing-borne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear that extend endurance from 27 hours to over 30 hours. This modification increases the aircraft's operational range and persistence for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions while maintaining the platform's precision strike capabilities. The $7.8 million contract represents the Air Force's evolutionary acquisition approach to enhance existing MQ-9 assets with improved range and on-station time without requiring new aircraft procurement.