Italian Air Force to Upgrade its MQ-9 Reaper Drones to Block 5 Standard

SAN DIEGO – 27 May 2021 – The Italian Air Force has partnered with the U.S. Government and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to provide a mid-life update to its fleet of MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and Ground Control Stations (GCS) as part of a Foreign Military Sales agreement. 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.

“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,” said GA-ASI European Regional Vice President, Scott Smith. “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.”

Source: GA-ASI to Provide Mid-Life Update to Italian Air Force MQ-9 RPA

Resources

GA-ASI - General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
GCS - Ground Control Station
ISR - Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
ItAF - Italian Air Force
MLM - Mid Life Modernisation
NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization
RPA - Remotely Piloted Aircraft
US - United States

Components : AN/APY-8
Aerospace Forces : MQ-9A Reaper

Italy