General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has secured a $14.3 million US contract modification to provide sustainment support for the Italian Air Force’s MQ-9 Reaper drone fleet, reinforcing long-term operational readiness. The award updates an existing Foreign Military Sales contract, activating an option year dedicated to maintenance and lifecycle support.
The agreement follows a cost-plus fixed-fee structure and funds critical services including logistics management, software updates, and system sustainment. Contracted work will be carried out in the United States and overseas, with operational activities spanning California, Italy, and Kuwait, where Italian MQ-9 assets are deployed.
Program management is being led by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, with the entire contract amount obligated at the time of award. According to US defense officials, the sustainment effort will remain in place until early 2027, supporting continued ISR mission availability.
The MQ-9 Reaper UAS is a proven platform widely used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike missions. Operated by Italy for more than ten years, the fleet has transitioned from basic surveillance roles to enhanced combat-capable configurations through US-authorized upgrades, including improved electro-optical sensors, secure satellite links, and compatibility with guided weapons.
