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The Netherlands will acquire four MQ-9A Block 5 “Reaper” aircraft under a possible foreign military sale approved by the US State Department worth around US$611 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress of the possible sale on 16 June.
Under the sale, the Netherlands would receive the four drones as well as three UAV MQ-9 mobile ground control systems, 30 embedded global positioning systems/internal navigation systems devices, eight AN/DAS-4 Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems and 20 Lynx AN/APY-8 synthetic aperture radars.
The deal also includes M299 Hellfire Longbow missile launchers, satellite communications Earth terminal subsystems, Selex Seaspray synthetic aperture radars, SeaVue maritime radars, KIV-77 cryptographic appliques, spare parts, technical information and support.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the DSCA statement said.
“The proposed sale will improve the Netherlands’ capability to meet current and future threats.
“The MQ-9A aircraft will support intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions as well as air attack and counter maritime operation tasks.
“The Netherlands already has MQ-9A aircraft in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems has been selected as the principal contractor and the sale will not require assignment of contractor or government representatives.
Robert Dougherty
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