The MQ-9 RPA is used to support a wide range of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Italy, over the Mediterranean, and in support of NATO operations
1 June 2021: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has signed a Foreign Military Sales agreement with Italian Air Force to provide a mid-life update to the fleet of MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and Ground Control Stations (GCS).
GA-ASI European Regional Vice President, Scott Smith said, “The Italian Air Force has long been a leader in the utilization of MQ-9 RPA to support a wide range of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Italy, over the Mediterranean, and in support of NATO operations. These enhancements give Italian forces the ability to see better and more clearly than ever with their MQ-9 RPAs and we’re proud to work with the ItAF to update their existing fleet.”
The Italian Air Force’s Mid-Life Modernization (MLM) Program will include updates to the MQ-9s which will improve them from Block 1 to Block 5 configuration. The Block 5 system includes a significantly increased electrical power capability, improved landing gear and the latest versions of the GA-ASI Lynx Multi-mode Radar and Raytheon Electro-Optical sensors.
