Italy Orders Two MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 Drones Amid US Concerns
- Published
- Source
- BreakingDefense
Italy has placed an order for two additional MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 drones from General Atomics, scheduled for delivery by the end of 2027. This decision comes despite the US Air Force's concerns regarding recent losses of the drone type in Iran, highlighting the ongoing partnership between Italy and General Atomics for over two decades.
The significance of this order lies in Italy's role as a leader in utilizing MQ-9A drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, particularly in support of NATO operations. The US State Department had previously approved a Foreign Military Sale for up to six MQ-9 Block 5 aircraft, with an estimated cost of $738 million, indicating strong international interest in the Reaper platform despite operational challenges.
Looking ahead, the US Air Force is reportedly seeking to accelerate the replacement program for MQ-9 drones due to concerning combat losses, with at least 45 Reapers lost since February 2026. As General Atomics prepares to build Gambit aircraft in Europe, the future of drone procurement and operational strategies will be closely monitored by defense analysts and military officials.
Original report
Italy orders 2 new MQ-9As Reapers, as US seeks newer options
BreakingDefense · Elisabeth Gosselin-MaloThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
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