The new RPA was delivered to the ItAF as part of a mid-life modernisation update of the ItAF fleet of RPAs from GA-ASI

The Italian Air Force (ItAF or Aeronautica Militare, AM) has flown the new MQ-9A Block 5 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics. The flight took place in November, as the company announced on 5 December.

The new RPA was delivered to the ItAF, along with a new Mobile Ground Control Station (MGCS), as part of a mid-life modernisation update of the ItAF fleet of RPAs from GA-ASI.

The Block 5 RPA significantly increases electrical power generation, auto takeoff and landing capability with improved landing gear and datalinks, and the latest version of the GA-ASI Lynx Multi-mode Radar, compared to previous versions.

 “The Italian Air Force has long been a leader in using the MQ-9 Reaper 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 Vice President of International Strategic Development Jaime Walters. “The delivery of this new Block 5 and MGCS will help to update the Italian Air Force’s existing fleet.”

The ItAF’s current fleet of RPAs from GA-ASI consists of four Block 1s and two Block 15 MGCSs.