The US State Department, through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, has approved the sale of twelve MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAVs (unmanned aircraft) to Australia, in a contract valued at US$1.651 billion.
In addition to the drones, the agreement provides for the supply of Lynx AN/APY-8 synthetic aperture radars, Leonardo/Selex SeaSpray 7500 radars, Mk.82 inert bombs, Paveway II guidance kits, equipment for data encryption and secure communication, versions AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missile training course, and other articles.
The statement also points out that the US will provide logistical , training, documentation and technical .
Manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), the MQ-9B is the maritime patrol version of the MQ-9 Reaper. The aircraft has eight hours of autonomy, with a range of 2200 km, being able to monitor large portions of the ocean.
In January of that year, GA-ASI announced that the SeaSpray 7500 radar, of Italian origin, would be integrated into the drone. The new aircraft will be used by the Royal Australian Air Force.
