US approves MQ-9 Reaper follow-on support sale to France
General Atomics and the US government will provide $300 million worth of support for France's MQ-9 Reapers. (Photo: US Air Force)
France has contracted General Atomics, with US governmental support, to supply MQ-9 Reaper follow-on support.
The US State Department has approved a possible FMS to the Government of France for MQ-9 Reaper follow-on contractor logistics support and related equipment with an estimated value of $300 million.
The follow-on equipment stipulated includes aircraft components, spares and accessories, training equipment and simulator software.
The contractor logistics support includes software and software support services, repair and return, US government and contractor provided engineering, technical and logistical support services and other related elements.
The principal contractor will be General Atomics and there are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with the sale.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, France initially requested the purchase of 16 Reapers in 2013, the number was later reduced to 12 MQ-9s.
The final six aircraft are Block 5 configuration, the first of which was delivered to France in January 2020 but remained inactive until March, its first operational mission was conducted in May 2021.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans]()
Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans
With a rising defence budget and equipment list, Poland’s air market is set to grow as the country continues to modernise its transport and helicopter fleets while seeking out uncrewed aerial vehicles and loitering munitions.
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
