Spain MQ-9 block 5 system uca

The MQ-9 Block 5 System UCA contract awarded to Spain involves the delivery of advanced remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems. The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-sized, armed unmanned aircraft designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as precision strike capabilities. The Block 5 variant incorporates significant upgrades including improved landing gear, enhanced electrical systems, encrypted datalinks, high-definition video, and upgraded avionics. The system includes sensor-equipped aircraft with the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS-B) for targeting and surveillance, synthetic aperture radar (Lynx SAR), ground control stations for remote operation, and weapons such as AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and precision-guided bombs. The aircraft operates at altitudes up to 50,000 feet with approximately 27+ hours of endurance, enabling persistent surveillance and strike operations across extended ranges. This contract represents a significant defense capability transfer, providing Spain with long-endurance, persistent ISR and armed reconnaissance capabilities for military operations.