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General Atomics secures $13M to sustain Italian MQ-9 Reapers.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., based in Poway, California, has secured a $12.96 million cost-plus fixed-fee contract modification to further support the Italian Air Force’s fleet of MQ-9 Reaper drones. This agreement builds on a prior contract and ensures continued sustainment of Italy’s unmanned aerial system [UAS] program.
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The scope of work spans multiple locations, including the company’s headquarters in California, operational sites in Italy, and facilities in Kuwait, highlighting the program’s international reach. The projected completion date for this phase of the agreement is January 31, 2026, underscoring a long-term commitment to the partnership.
This deal falls under the Foreign Military Sales [FMS] framework, with the full $12.96 million obligation being applied at the moment of contract modification. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is managing the contracting process, reflecting the U.S. Air Force’s role in overseeing complex international defense collaborations.
This arrangement reinforces the strategic ties between the U.S. and Italy, ensuring that the Italian Air Force’s MQ-9 fleet remains mission-ready and operationally effective over the coming years.
Italy’s MQ-9 Reaper drones have become a cornerstone of the Italian Air Force’s [Aeronautica Militare] operations, playing a critical role in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance [ISR] missions. These unmanned systems have been deployed in a variety of theaters, demonstrating their value in both domestic and international operations.
The Italian fleet, which has been active since its introduction in 2009, has carved out a niche in supporting NATO-led missions, border security, and counterterrorism initiatives.
One of the primary missions of Italy’s MQ-9s has been within NATO operations, particularly in the Mediterranean region. They have been instrumental in monitoring migration routes, providing real-time data to support maritime patrols and prevent human trafficking.
Their long endurance and advanced sensor suite allow them to cover vast areas, making them indispensable in addressing challenges like irregular migration and maritime security.
Italian Reapers have also seen extensive use in counterterrorism missions, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. These drones have supported Operation Inherent Resolve, the coalition campaign against ISIS, and have operated over Libya during periods of heightened instability.
Equipped with advanced electro-optical and infrared cameras, as well as synthetic aperture radar, the MQ-9s have enabled Italian forces to track movements of militant groups and relay actionable intelligence to allied forces.
Domestically, the Italian Air Force has utilized MQ-9s to assist with disaster response and environmental monitoring. Their ability to loiter over areas affected by earthquakes, floods, or wildfires has provided authorities with crucial situational awareness. This dual-use capability underscores the flexibility of the MQ-9 platform beyond strictly military applications.
Operationally, the Italian MQ-9 program has been a model of integration within NATO frameworks. Italy’s use of the Reaper has highlighted its interoperability with allied forces, often contributing ISR capabilities to multinational exercises and coalition operations.
The drones’ performance in contested and permissive environments alike has demonstrated their adaptability and resilience in a variety of operational contexts.
Despite their utility, Italy’s MQ-9s have faced challenges, including the growing threat from adversary air defenses and electronic warfare. To counter these risks, the Italian Air Force has worked closely with General Atomics to sustain and upgrade the fleet.
This includes the addition of improved communication systems and enhanced countermeasures to ensure operational effectiveness in increasingly sophisticated theaters.
Italy’s MQ-9 Reaper fleet represents a highly advanced and versatile component of the Italian Air Force’s operational capabilities. These medium-altitude, long-endurance [MALE] drones are equipped with cutting-edge technology tailored for a broad spectrum of missions, from surveillance and reconnaissance to target acquisition and beyond.
The Italian configuration of the MQ-9 has been customized to meet specific national and allied requirements, integrating advanced sensors and systems that enhance its performance in complex operational environments.
At the core of the Italian MQ-9’s capabilities is its suite of high-performance sensors. The drone is equipped with the Raytheon AN/DAS-1 Multi-spectral Targeting System [MTS-B], which combines electro-optical and infrared imaging sensors with a laser designator.
This system provides exceptional clarity and precision, enabling the Reaper to identify and track targets day or night, even under adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the synthetic aperture radar [SAR] onboard allows the MQ-9 to penetrate clouds and dust, mapping terrain and identifying moving targets on the ground with high accuracy.
Communication systems on Italy’s MQ-9s are optimized for interoperability within NATO frameworks. The drones are fitted with beyond-line-of-sight [BLOS] satellite communication [SATCOM] systems, allowing operators to maintain control and receive data feeds over vast distances.
This capability is critical for extended operations across the Mediterranean or over theaters like the Middle East and North Africa, where Italy’s MQ-9s have frequently been deployed.
To enhance its ISR performance, the Italian Reaper fleet includes advanced Electronic Support Measures [ESM] and Signal Intelligence [SIGINT] packages. These systems allow the drones to detect and geolocate enemy communications and radar emissions, contributing valuable intelligence to both Italian and allied operations. This capability has proven particularly useful in monitoring militant activities in conflict zones and tracking illicit networks in the Mediterranean.
Although traditionally used in unarmed configurations, Italy has explored arming its MQ-9s to expand its mission set. The platform is compatible with precision-guided munitions such as the AGM-114 Hellfire missile and the GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb. While Italy has not officially declared its MQ-9s as armed platforms, the capability to integrate weaponry provides a significant deterrence factor and expands the Reaper’s role from intelligence-gatherer to a potential strike asset.
The Italian Air Force’s MQ-9 fleet has also been outfitted with enhanced countermeasures to ensure survivability in increasingly contested airspaces. These include upgrades to its radar warning receivers and electronic warfare suites, designed to mitigate the threat from enemy air defenses and jamming systems. Such adaptations are essential as adversaries develop more sophisticated means to detect and target unmanned systems.
In addition to military upgrades, Italy has emphasized dual-use applications for its MQ-9s. The drones are equipped with payloads that support humanitarian missions, such as high-definition cameras for disaster assessment and tools for monitoring environmental conditions. This capability underscores the Italian government’s commitment to leveraging the Reaper platform for both defense and civil protection roles.
The Italian MQ-9 Reapers represent a blend of cutting-edge technology and strategic foresight. By investing in sensor upgrades, advanced communications, and countermeasure systems, Italy has ensured that its fleet remains relevant in an evolving threat landscape.
Whether providing ISR support in NATO missions, monitoring the Mediterranean for security threats, or standing ready for potential armament, these drones are a critical force multiplier for Italy’s defense and humanitarian efforts.
Source; Bulgarian military