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christopher niemi

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 147th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform postflight checks on an MQ-9 Reaper drone assigned to the 147th Attack Wing, Texas Air National Guard, at Keflavík Air Base, Iceland, during exercise Northern Viking 26, Aug. 21, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo)

Air Force moves to accelerate effort to replace MQ-9 Reaper after combat losses in Iran war

“We want to bring this thing forward because of the fact that, although we have plenty of MQ-9As today, we are going through them at a rate…
Sep 4, 2026 By Mikayla Easley
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Christopher J. Niemi, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, delivers opening remarks at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) change of command ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, June 9, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jennifer Nesbitt)

Trump nominates Niemi as Air Force’s inaugural chief modernization officer

If confirmed, Maj. Gen. Christopher Niemi will serve as both the Air Force's A5/7 deputy and the chief modernization officer.
Apr 17, 2026 By Mikayla Easley
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