JavaScript Required

Jumpseat Aerospace News requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

Italy Orders 2 New MQ-9A Reaper Drones

September 9, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Italy ordered 2 additional MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 drones.
Delivery expected by end of 2027.
US Air Force concerned over recent Reaper losses in Iran.
Italy upgrading existing Reapers to Block 5 standard.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

This order may indicate Italy's continued confidence in the MQ-9A Reaper's capabilities despite US concerns over losses. The US Air Force's push to accelerate replacement programs suggests a potential shift in drone procurement strategies, which could impact General Atomics' future sales and the broader drone market.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

Italian Air Force Expands Drone Fleet Amid US Concerns Over Losses

Italy has ordered two more MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 drones from General Atomics, set to be delivered by the end of 2027. The Italian Air Force has been a long-time user of the MQ-9A, utilizing it for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The order comes as the US Air Force expresses concerns over recent losses of the drone type in Iran, with plans to accelerate replacement programs. The purchase is part of a larger effort by Italy to upgrade its existing Reaper fleet to the Block 5 standard, as reported by Breaking Defense.

Source | Originally Published: September 9, 2026

Companies Mentioned