Italy orders Reapers
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has recieved an $81 million contract for two MQ-9 Reapers and two Mobile Ground Control Stations through the United States Foreign Military Sales programme.
Italy already operates the MQ-1 Predator, flown by the Italian Air Force’s 32 Stormo at Amendola Airbase. Italian Predators were assembled in Italy by Finmeccanica through a partnership with UAV-maker General Atomics, but it is understood the new Reapers will supplied directly by GA.
The contract would make Italy the third nation to purchase Reaper. The UK Royal Air Force operates three alongside USAF examples in Afghanistan operated by 39 Sqn.
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