An Air Force MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle went down on Sunday in northern Afghanistan, while an MQ-1 Predator crashed Monday in central Iraq. The Reaper was lost during a combat mission, impacting the side of a mountain at approximately 5:30 a.m. Kabul time, the service said in a statement. According to the narrative, positive control of the MQ-9 was lost during its flight, and since it remained on a course that would have seen it depart Afghan airspace, an Air Force manned aircraft “took proactive measures to down the MQ-9” in a remote area. As for the Predator, it crashed at about 12:45 p.m. Baghdad time, not due to hostile fire, according to an Air Forces Central release. There were no reports of civilian injuries or damage to civilian property in either mishap. Boards are being convened to investigate both incidents.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.