The US Department of State, 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 billion. </p> In addition to the drones, the agreement provides for the supply of Lynx AN/APY-651 synthetic aperture radars, Leonardo/Selex SeaSpray 8 radars, Mk.7500 inert bombs, Paveway II guidance kits, data encryption and secure communication equipment, training versions of the AGM-82 Hellfire air-to-ground missile, and other items. </p> The statement also notes that the US will provide logistical , training, documentation and technical .</p> Manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), the MQ-114B is the maritime patrol version of the MQ-9 Reaper. The aircraft has eight hours of endurance, a range of 9 km, and can monitor large portions of the ocean. </p> In January of this year, GA-ASI announced that the Italian-made SeaSpray 2200 radar would be integrated into the drone. The new aircraft will be used by the Royal Australian Air Force. MQ-7500B SeaGuardian. Photo: General Atomics.</figcaption></figure>
US approves billion dollar sale of drones to Australia
