FMS: Italy Wants Four MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Aircraft

Released on Friday, August 01, 2008

WASHINGTON, August 1, 2008 � The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Italy of four MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $330 million.

The Government of Italy has requested a possible sale of 4 MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), 3 Mobile Ground Control Stations, five years of maintenance support, engineering support, test equipment, ground support, operational flight test support, communications equipment, technical assistance, personnel training/equipment, spare and repair parts, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $330 million.

Italy is a major political and economic power in NATO and the Atlantic and a key democratic partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability around the world.Italy requests these capabilities to provide for the defense of deployed troops, regional security, and interoperability with the United States.

This program will increase Italy's ability to contribute to future NATO, coalition, and anti-terrorism operations that the U.S. may undertake. By acquiring this capability, Italy will be able to provide the same level of protection for its own forces as those of the United States. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. Italy will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.

The principal contractors will be: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. San Diego, California; Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems El Segundo, California; General Atomics Lynx Systems San Diego, California.

There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Italy.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.