Italy Orders Two More MQ-9A Reaper Drones from General Atomics
The Italian Air Force has ordered two additional General Atomics MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper unmanned aircraft, with delivery expected from late 2027. The Reapers are used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over the Mediterranean and in support of NATO operations.
The Italian Air Force has ordered two General Atomics MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper unmanned aircraft, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems said. Delivery is scheduled to begin at the end of 2027. The contract includes ground control stations. Its value was not disclosed.
The Block 5 is the latest version of the Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft with a wingspan of 20 meters and a length of 11 meters. Italy operates the Reaper for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions within Italy, over the Mediterranean, and in support of NATO operations. The aircraft has a maximum endurance of up to 26 hours, a service ceiling of 13,700 meters, and a payload capacity of 2.1 tonnes. It carries high-resolution electro-optical/infrared sensors for real-time reconnaissance.
According to David R. Alexander, president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Italy is a leader in operating the MQ-9A across a broad spectrum of ISR missions. The Italian Air Force did not state how many Reapers it currently has in service. An MQ-9A Reaper typically costs between $30 million and $50 million depending on configuration.
Sources
- aerotelegraph.comItaliens Luftwaffe verstärkt sich mit Kampfdrohne von General Atomics