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// DOSSIER — italy-orders-mq-9a-reaper-block-5-drones
Italy Orders Two MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 Drones Amid US Air Force Concerns Over Combat Losses
REL_TIME: 10 Sep 2026 10:15Z · LANG: EN
Italy has ordered two additional MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), with delivery scheduled for the end of 2027. The acquisition, conducted via a U.S. Foreign Military Sale, aims to bolster Italy's surveillance capabilities over the Mediterranean and support NATO operations. This purchase occurs despite growing concerns from the U.S. Air Force regarding the high combat loss rate of MQ-9 Reapers, with at least 45 drones lost since February 2026, prompting the U.S. to seek accelerated replacement options.
// Background
Italy has operated General Atomics drones for over two decades, originally ordering Block 1 Reapers in 2008 and 2009. After losing one drone in Libya (2019) and another in Kuwait (March 2026), Italy initiated upgrades of its remaining fleet to the Block 5 standard under a $30.5 million contract signed in 2021. Meanwhile, the U.S. military has faced severe attrition of its MQ-9 fleet during Operation Epic Fury, losing approximately 45 aircraft as of August 2026.
// Key Developments
- Italy orders two MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers and Ground Control Stations from General Atomics, scheduled for delivery in late 2027.
- The purchase is part of a broader U.S. Foreign Military Sale approved in August 2024 for up to six aircraft valued at an estimated $738 million.
- The MQ-9A Block 5 features a 26-hour endurance, 45,000-foot operating altitude, and a 4,600-pound payload capacity.
- The acquisition comes amid U.S. Air Force concerns over losing 45 Reapers (a quarter of its inventory) since February 2026 during Operation Epic Fury.
- Italy previously lost two Reapers: one in Libya in 2019 and another during an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait in March 2026.
// Timeline
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Italy orders its first six MQ-9 Block 1 Reapers.
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Italy loses one of its Reaper drones in Libya.
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Italy signs a $30.5 million contract with GA-ASI to upgrade its remaining Reapers to the Block 5 standard.
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The US State Department approves a Foreign Military Sale to Italy for up to six MQ-9 Block 5 aircraft and equipment valued at $738 million.
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Operation Epic Fury begins, marking the start of a period of high attrition for US MQ-9 Reapers.
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An Italian MQ-9 Reaper is destroyed during an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.
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Reports indicate the US has lost at least 45 Reapers since February, representing a quarter of its inventory.
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US Air Force Lt. Gen. Christopher Niemi states the service wants to accelerate the replacement program for MQ-9As due to concerning loss rates.
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General Atomics announces Italy's order of two new MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers.
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Scheduled delivery of the two newly ordered Italian MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers.
// Perspectives
[Italian Air Force / Italian Government]
Committed to expanding and upgrading its long-endurance surveillance fleet to secure the Mediterranean and support NATO missions, leveraging its 20-year partnership with General Atomics.
[U.S. Air Force]
Concerned by the unsustainable combat loss rate of MQ-9As (losing 25% of its inventory in recent months) and actively seeking to accelerate the development of newer replacement options.
[General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)]
Confined in the Reaper's unmatched combination of endurance, payload, and reliability, while highlighting its strong, ongoing relationship with European allies like Italy.
// Quotes
“Italy has been a very important partner for GA-ASI for more than 20 years — the Italian Air Force has continued to be a leader in the utilization of MQ-9A to support a wide range of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in Italy, over the Mediterranean and in support of NATO operations.”
“So we want to bring this thing forward because of the fact that, although we have plenty of MQ-9As today, we are going through them at a rate that is concerning to us.”
“unique combination of endurance, payload, range, sensors, weapons, connectivity, adaptability and reliability is precisely what enables mission effects that others struggle to replicate.”
