Spain orders MQ-9 Predator
Spain's acqusition of the Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper is to go ahead, with an order placed by the Spanish government with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA‑ASI) for one system. The UAS is being acquired under a foreign military sale with the US government.
The MQ-9 will support Spain's airborne surveillance and reconnaissance requirements.
The system to be delivered includes four aircraft equipped with MTS-B Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors and the Block 20A Lynx multi-mode radar, two Block 30 ground control stations, and satellite communications and line-of-sight data link capabilities.
GA-ASI will work with Spanish company SENER on the programme, along with wider Spanish industry to optimise sustainment and capability of the Predator B system in support of the Spanish armed forces.
The long-endurance UAS has a payload capacity of 850lb/386kg internally and 3,750lb/1,700kg externally. It can fly at a maximum altitude of 50,000ft/15240m and remain aloft for up to 27 hours.
Andrés Sendagorta, vice president, SENER, said: 'SENER, as technological teammate of GA-ASI for the medium-altitude long- endurance project in Spain, is delighted to make all its capabilities available to the Spanish armed forces in order to achieve the best integration of the new system in Spain.
'The MQ-9 is broadly considered to be the best system in its range to which SENER has been providing keen backing for years. Reaper will contribute significantly to strengthen our country's defence and security system and will provide increased protection to our forces.'
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