Italy grows Reaper fleet

Italy is expanding its MQ-9A Reaper force with two additional Block 5 remotely piloted aircraft and new ground-control stations. The purchase increases capacity for persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance while modernizing the control infrastructure used to plan and conduct missions, with deliveries expected by the end of 2027. Additional airframes improve availability and training depth but do not by themselves define an armed operational role, which depends on national policy, certification and payload integration; the order also supports commonality with Italy's existing Reaper fleet and established sustainment system.