US Navy (USN) officials are discussing acquiring General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) the US Air Force (USAF) plans to retire, according to a USAF spokesperson.

USAF spokesperson First Lieutenant Annabel Monroe said on 20 February that the USAF will cease MQ-1 flying operations on 9 March. However, she said, government contractors will continue flying the aircraft through the end of 2018. The USAF announced last week it is transitioning to an all MQ-9 Reaper force. The service has 93 Reapers, also developed by GA-ASI.

First Lt Monroe said the USAF is performing a screening process outlined in the Defense Material Disposition Manual (DMDM) in preparation of Predator retirement. She said there are many possibilities as to where the service could distribute the retired aircraft, including sending some to the bone yard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, and to museums.

Source: Jane’s 360