Support for Spanish MQ-9A

In the United States, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center has awarded General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) a contract worth $9.6 million to support the MQ-9A Reaper line in service with the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio.

The contract includes logistical support activities, including depot repair, engineering services, field team support, and software maintenance services for the Spanish Reapers.

The work of the order will be carried out in Poway, California, and completion is expected by August 31, 2026.

The contract provides for foreign military sales (FMS) in favor of Spain.

The Use of MQ-9A in Spain

GA-ASI has delivered to the Ejército del Aire y del Espacio four MQ-9A Block 5 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and three Ground Control Stations (GCS) managed by the 233 Squadron (Wing 23) at the Talavera la Real base near Badajoz.

The Ejército del Aire y del Espacio uses these aircraft for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions and target designation.

In 2025, a program was launched to equip these MQ-9A Reapers with the ability to use air-surface armament to carry out precision attacks.

In fact, in 2023 the Madrid Government had authorized the conclusion of a contract for the acquisition and integration of the AGM-114R2 Hellfire air-surface guided missile and its associated equipment in the Reaper weapon system, with a maximum ceiling of $13.39 million.

Source: US Department of War (US DoW)

Photo credit: @Ejército del Aire y del Espacio