Italy orders two more General Atomics MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers to strengthen Mediterranean surveillance and NATO operations from 2027

Italy ordered two MQ-9A Block 5 remotely piloted aircraft from General Atomics through a United States Foreign Military Sales arrangement. The package includes ground-control stations and supporting equipment, with delivery expected by the end of 2027. Block 5 incorporates upgraded avionics, a fault-tolerant flight-control system and increased electrical capacity for modern sensors and communications. The additional aircraft will expand Italy’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capacity over the Mediterranean while supporting NATO missions and improving commonality with other allied Reaper operators during sustained, demanding multinational deployments.