General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) plans to supply Ukraine with the MQ-9 family of unmanned aerial vehicles. A representative of the company said this in an interview with military publication Janes. While the US government has announced its intention to supply Ukraine with GA-ASI heavy attack aircraft, the company has said it plans to offer the MQ-9 family.

The MQ-9 is seen as part of broader support for partners in Eastern Europe. At the moment, the company does not want to reveal all the advantages of the MQ-9 family of drones, so they do not publish classified information, but GA-ASI hopes that Ukraine will receive their aircraft.

“General Atomics is committed to supporting the defense of allies and partners in Eastern Europe and would like to one day include providing these critical capabilities to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.“, said GA-ASI.

While previous reports spoke of the potential transfer to Ukraine of the MQ-1C Gray Eagles armed with AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, the MQ-9 family includes the MQ-9A Reaper and MQ-9B SkyGuardian attack aircraft.

The MQ-9 can perform tasks such as ISR (surveillance, surveillance and reconnaissance), close air support or CSAR (combat search and rescue). In the strike version, the MQ-9 Reaper has weapon slots. The AGM-114 can be equipped with Hellfire air-to-surface anti-tank missiles, Mark 82 guided bombs and other weapons.

We would like to remind you that in April Ukrainian officials met with representatives of General Atomics in Washington. In June, it was reported that the United States could supply Ukraine with four MQ-1C Gray Eagle attack aircraft. These drones can be armed with Hellfire guided missiles designed to attack armored vehicles and other ground targets. Source