Indo-Pacific 2022: Despite grim Reaper decision, GA-ASI retains hope

10th May 2022 - 19:30 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Sydney

RSS

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)

Create account

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)

Start your free trial

More from Air Warfare

Rafael lifts the veil on Aerospike

New air-to-surface missile for fixed-wing aircraft from Rafael is optimised for close air support, counterterrorism and anti-A2AD applications.
BrahMos missile gets into ER mode

India continues to develop its BrahMos missile, with the extended-range type recently tested.
Indian Army explores quadcopters for surveillance

India has set in motion yet another tender process to buy UAVs, this time quadcopters able to fly at altitude.
Swiss Air Force receives final Cougar helicopter

RUAG has announced the completion of the Swiss Cougar modernisation programme, which lasted around three years.
Indo-Pacific 2022: Schiebel nabs pole position for expedited UAV contract

To speed up acquisition, Australia has selected the Austrian-designed Camcopter for a naval UAV requirement.
Indo-Pacific 2022: Australia seals MH-60R and AH-64E deals

Replacing European-designed helicopters, Australia has turned back to the US for attack and naval rotorcraft.