General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper
French Reaper launches GBU-12 for the first time in Niger
The French Air and Space Force announced on August 24 that it has for the first time launched a GBU-12 laser-guided munition from an MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 during an operational mission
GA-ASI rolls out first MQ-9A Reaper for the RNLAF
During a ceremony at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems production facility in Poway, California, on July 7; the first MQ-9A Reaper UAV for the Royal Netherlands Air Force – serial M-001 – was formally unveiled
GA-ASI awarded additional contract for French MQ-9 programme
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has been awarded a US$79.4m order to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite quantity contract for France’s MQ-9 Block 5 aircraft programme
Italian MQ-9A fleet to receive mid-life update
The Italian Air Force has partnered with the US government and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to provide a mid-life update for its fleet of MQ-9A remotely piloted aircraft and associated ground control stations
US extends support for Spanish MQ-9A drones
The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Spain of follow-on contractor logistics support for MQ-9A Block 5 UAVs and related equipment for an estimated cost of $110m
USAF tests new Ghost Reaper capabilities on MQ-9A
Enhanced capabilities for the USAF’s General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) MQ-9A Reaper RPAS fleet are being tested by the New York Air National Guard’s 174th Attack Wing
Airbus nets space-based communications contracts from UK MOD
Airbus has been awarded a series of contracts during Q1 2021 from the UK MOD both as part of its programme of upgrading services for the Skynet 5 military satcom capability and continued work with the MOD’s Defence Digital organisation
USAF deploys MQ-9A Reapers to Romania
The USAF has deployed an undisclosed number of MQ-9A Reaper remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and approximately 90 airmen to Romania’s 71st Air Base in Câmpia Turzii
Spain receives final two MQ-9A Block 5 RPAs
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) delivered the last two MQ-9A Block 5 remotely piloted aircraft and final ground control station to the Spanish Air Force on November 23
US approves $23bn F-35A, MQ-9B and munition sale to UAE
The US State Department announced on November 10 that it has approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of F-35A Lightning IIs, MQ-9Bs and munitions to the UAE