The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Italy, involving the purchase of MQ-9 Block 5 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and related equipment, valued at approximately $738 million, according to an announcement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on August 15, 2024.
Italy’s request includes six MQ-9 Block 5 aircraft, three mobile ground control stations, twelve multi-spectral target systems, and nine synthetic aperture radars with maritime surveillance capabilities.
The package also covers various support systems, communications equipment, and maintenance support.
The DSCA stated that this sale is intended to enhance Italy’s ability to address current and future threats, expanding its existing MQ-9 fleet and strengthening its interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.
The sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by boosting the capabilities of a key NATO ally.
“The proposed sale will improve Italy’s capability to meet current and future threats by expanding and improving the Italian Air Force’s MQ-9 fleet and advancing U.S. and NATO policy goals of security and interoperability,” the DSCA noted.
General Atomics, based in San Diego, California, will be the primary contractor for this deal. The DSCA also clarified that no additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives would be needed in Italy to implement the sale, and it would not adversely impact U.S. defence readiness.
While the total cost is currently estimated at $738 million, the final amount may vary based on specific requirements and agreements made during the negotiation process.
That’s not far off the cost of six P8’s. Remember when MQ9 was the cheaper solution.
Unbelieveable. Is there anywhere that has done an analysis of defence inflation? A country by country one, if at all possible, would be interesting. I feel like western countries are pricing themselves out of having a military the way things are going.
Don’t there keep getting shot down?