Italy looks to weaponise MQ-9s
The US government is considering a request from Italy for equipment to weaponise its MQ-9 Reapers under a foreign military sale (FMS), the Defense Security Cooperation Agency has announced.
Italy wants to weaponise its Reaper fleet to enhance its ability to share in NATO and coalition operations, increase operational flexibility, and increase the survivability of its deployed forces.
The equipment requested includes AGM-114R2 Hellfire II missiles, Hellfire II M36-E8 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), and GBU-12 Laser Guided Bombs.
GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs); Hellfire M34 Dummy Missiles; GBU-49 Enhanced Laser Guided Bombs; GBU-54 Laser JDAMs; bomb racks; MQ-9 weaponisation kits and installation; and M-299 launchers are also included in the request.
If it goes ahead, the FMS will include AN/AWM-103 test suites, training, parts and equipment, technical assistance and logistics support.
The estimated cost of the package is valued at $129.6 million.
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems will act as prime contractor for the sale if cleared.
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