Overview

• U.S. officials and sources say the move would treat large drones like the MQ-9 Reaper as conventional aircraft rather than missile systems under a new interpretation of MTCR guidelines.
• The change could unlock a Saudi request for more than 100 MQ-9s, with additional interest reported from partners in Europe and the Pacific.
• General Atomics, Kratos, and Anduril stand to benefit as their large drones would be processed through the State Department’s Foreign Military Sales channel.
• No rollout date has been set, the State Department declined comment, and people familiar with the plan say a formal unveiling is being prepared for later this year.
• Arms-control and human-rights advocates warn of greater regional instability, while officials say sales will still undergo FMS reviews that weigh human rights, regional dynamics, and technology safeguards.