To make this website work, we log user data. By using Shephard's online services, you agree to our Privacy Policy, including cookie policy.

×
Open menu Search

Spain to receive two new Reapers

1st April 2019 - 15:51 GMT | by The Shephard News Team in London

RSS

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has been awarded a contract worth in excess of $34 million for two MQ-9 Reaper UAVs and associated equipment for the Spanish military, according to a US DoD contract announcement issued on 29 March.

The two MQ-9s are expected to be delivered by 31 March, 2020, bringing the Spanish Reaper fleet count to six. The first four of the UAVs were contracted in 2016, in a deal worth $27 million. The Spanish Air Force intends to use the drones to perform homeland security, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. 

Spain was the fifth European country to order the MQ-9, choosing it over the Heron TP for commonality with NATO allies who also make use of the airframe.

In service since 2007, the MQ-9 Reaper has a maximum speed of 260kt and payload  capacity of 1,700kg. The Reaper has an endurance of 14 hours when fully loaded with munitions – such as AGM-114 Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles, or AIM-9 Sidewinders. 

The MQ-9 has been one of the most widely used military UAVs in the world, with the USAF operating 195 units as of September 2016.

The Shephard News Team

Author

The Shephard News Team


As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News and Defence Insight …

Read full bio

Share to

Linkedin