UAVs

The UK looks set to acquire General Atomics MQ-9 Predator B unmanned air vehicles, following the publication of a US Defense Security Cooperation Agency request for foreign sale.

The document, issued to US Congress today, details the a possible sale to the UK of MQ-9s as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $77 million.

The UK has requested two Predator Bs, one ground control station, two targeting systems, one mobile ground control station, two Lynx synthetic aperture radars. The deal would also cover spares,  engineering support, test equipment and operational flight test support. The deal would be lead by  San Diego-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems with Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems as a subcontractor.

The UK would use the Predators to bolster its NATO mission requirements, providing troop cover in deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, the document reveals. By acquiring this capability, the United Kingdom will be able to provide the same level of protection for its own forces and those of the USA,  it adds.

The proposed sale is subject to US export rules.