Italy has placed an order for two MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. as part of an expansion of its long-endurance surveillance fleet.
The remotely piloted aircraft carry sensors for full-motion video and moving-target tracking, along with synthetic-aperture and maritime radars.
They can remain airborne for up to 26 hours, operate at altitudes of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), and carry payloads weighing up to 4,600 pounds (2,087 kilograms).
Read the full story on our new publication, The Drone Front: Italy Orders Two More MQ-9A Reapers for Mediterranean Surveillance