General Atomics Secures $17 Million Contract for Sustainment Services for Italian Air Force MQ-9 Reaper Drones

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. has been granted a $17 million contract to deliver sustainment support services for the MQ-9 Reaper drones of the Italian Air Force. The contract, recently announced by the US State Department, encompasses engineering services, depot repair, spare parts delivery, and software maintenance services specifically for Italy's MQ-9 Block 1 and 5 aircraft.

The contractual obligations will span across locations in California, Italy, and Kuwait, with completion anticipated by January 2025.

Italy initially acquired four MQ-9 Reaper drones, also known as Predator B, from the US in 2008 for 90 million euros ($97 million).

About the MQ-9 Drone

The MQ-9 Reaper is a remotely piloted turboprop aircraft designed for military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Boasting cutting-edge sensors, a multi-mode communications suite, and a fault-tolerant flight control system, it delivers enhanced overall performance. With a capacity for precision strike weapons, the drone is also capable of supporting combat operations.

General Atomics reports that the MQ-9 exhibits a flight endurance of over 27 hours, a speed of 240 knots (444 kilometers/276 miles per hour), and a payload capacity of 3,850 pounds (1,746 kilograms).

In December 2023, the Italian Air Force successfully conducted the maiden flight of its new MQ-9A drone in the Block 5 configuration. The upgraded unmanned platform features a substantial increase in electrical power generation, automatic takeoff and landing capabilities, as well as improved landing gear and datalink systems.