Indo-Pacific 2022: Despite grim Reaper decision, GA-ASI retains hope
The MQ-9B can launch sonobuoys, giving the UCAV an ASW application. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Naval Group was not present at the Sydney expo after cancellation of its submarine programme, but GA-ASI put in an appearance despite its own Australian setback.
Australia delivered a bolt from the blue for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) when it cancelled a programme to buy 12 MQ-9B Reaper UCAVs. Nonetheless, the US company was present at the Indo-Pacific 2022 naval exhibition in Sydney on 10-12 May as it continued to promote its UCAV credentials.
Abandonment of the pending $1.65 billion buy under Project Air 7003 was announced on 1 April, with Canberra claiming that budget was the main reason.
No contract had been signed up till that point, but the cancellation was nonetheless sudden. However, there is a possibility that, if the current government led by Scott
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Air Warfare
-
![Nordic nations plan to jointly operate air forces]()
Nordic nations plan to jointly operate air forces
Four Scandinavian countries have signed a joint declaration to strengthen the air defence of the region in the face of a heightened Russian threat.
-
![Northrop Grumman advances airborne connectivity for US Air Force]()
Northrop Grumman advances airborne connectivity for US Air Force
Northrop Grumman's Software Programmable Open Mission Systems Compliant (SPOC) multifunction processor will help define the USAF's approach to next-generation airborne radio.
-
![US Air Force needs over 200 B-21 bombers, expert argues as maiden flight faces delays]()
US Air Force needs over 200 B-21 bombers, expert argues as maiden flight faces delays
The first flight of Northrop Grumman's B-21 Raider stealth bomber has been delayed, while experts argue the US Air Force is in need of more than 300 bombers as tensions heighten across the globe.
-
![Australian firm selected for US hypersonic test vehicle requirement]()
Australian firm selected for US hypersonic test vehicle requirement
Hypersonix Launch Systems will provide flight vehicles for testing under a US Defense Innovation Unit hypersonic programme.
-
![Slovakia to get US attack helicopters after donating jets to Ukraine]()
Slovakia to get US attack helicopters after donating jets to Ukraine
The US is offering a dozen AH-1Z Viper helicopters to Slovakia at two-thirds discount with the latter sending its fighters to Ukraine, which would likely extend H-1 production beyond 2023.
-
![Singapore at-sea deployment of F-35Bs can overcome airfield dependency]()
Singapore at-sea deployment of F-35Bs can overcome airfield dependency
Singapore could potentially deploy F-35Bs from its Joint Multi-Mission Ship to overcome airfield dependency and improve air defence as part of its apparent new security strategy.
