MQ-9 Sustainment Contract Extended for Italy
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. has been awarded a $14.3 million MQ-9 sustainment contract to continue logistics and software support for the Italian Air Force’s MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial System fleet, according to a U.S. Air Force contract announcement.
The cost-plus fixed-fee contract modification exercises an option under an existing agreement and extends support activities through early 2027 as part of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case with Italy.
Contract Details and Scope of Work
The contract modification, designated P00018, was issued under the previously awarded contract FA8689-23-C-2013. It authorizes continued sustainment services for the MQ-9 fleet currently supported during the contract’s second option year.
The $14,314,754 award funds a range of logistics support activities and software maintenance services, ensuring operational readiness and long-term fleet availability for the Italian Air Force’s remotely piloted aircraft systems.
All funds associated with the contract are being fully obligated at the time of award, reflecting the Foreign Military Sales structure of the agreement.
Work Locations and Schedule
Contracted work will be performed across multiple locations, including:
- Poway, California, home to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
- Italy, supporting Italian Air Force operational requirements
- Kuwait, a key hub for deployed MQ-9 operations
The sustainment effort is scheduled for completion by January 31, 2027, providing nearly two additional years of support under the current contract framework.
Strategic Importance of MQ-9 Sustainment
The MQ-9 remains a critical intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike platform for allied air forces. Continued sustainment and software maintenance are essential to ensuring system reliability, mission availability, and compliance with evolving operational and cybersecurity requirements.
For Italy, the contract supports ongoing integration of MQ-9 capabilities within NATO-aligned operations and expeditionary missions, reinforcing interoperability with U.S. and allied forces.
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Contracting Authority
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity responsible for administering the award.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., based in Poway, California, is the original equipment manufacturer of the MQ-9 and a long-standing provider of sustainment and lifecycle support services for U.S. and international operators.
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