Aflcmc, acat 1C, predator reaper, MQ-9 block 5 exportability

The Defense Contract Management Agency is procuring MQ-9 Block 5 Exportability upgrades or systems for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Predator Reaper program from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, valued at USD 20,947,532.50. This ACAT 1C contract supports the production and export variant of the MQ-9 Reaper UAV, featuring enhanced endurance up to 27 hours, increased payload capacity, advanced sensors like Lynx multi-mode radar, and exportable configurations for foreign military sales to allies such as Italy, Spain, and others. The strategic context emphasizes persistent surveillance, strike capabilities, and improved exportability for international partners in high-intensity and hybrid threat environments.