General Atomics to work on French Reapers
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has been awarded a maximum $27.8 million FMS contract from the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
The deal covers continued weaponisation and FMS Pod integration for MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 UASs operated by France. General Atomics received a similar $8.9 million contract in November 2019.
The company is expected to complete work on the new contract by 30 September 2021.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, France has ordered 12 MQ-9s in all. Five of the six delivered to date remain in service.
Shephard reported in 2019 that the French Air Force intends to arm its Reapers with GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, to aid counter-insurgency efforts in West Africa.
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