US details French Reaper purchase ahead of Mali ops
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has progressed with plans to sell 16 MQ-9 Reaper UAVs to France as the European nation considers deploying them to Mali.
On 27 June, the DSCA notified the US Congress of a possible $1.5 billion Foreign Military Sale which will include associated equipment, spare parts, technical documentation, training and logistical support.
The French government is looking at a fast track procurement of two Reaper systems which are likely to be delivered directly from a US Air Force production lot.
On 11 June, French defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian explained: ‘We are negotiating with
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