GA‑ASI’s MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft system in flight. Credit: Business Wire.

The Australian Government has selected General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ (GA‑ASI) MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as the country’s first armed remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Following government consideration, GA‑ASI’s medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) RPAS has been selected to meet the Project Air 7003 requirements.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne said that the MALE RPAS can be easily integrated within the ADF and is expected to be fully interoperable with its allies.

Pyne said: “These new aircraft will provide enhanced firepower and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) support to a range of missions.

“MALE, remotely piloted aircraft have a far greater range than smaller remotely piloted aircraft and can continuously observe an area of interest for much longer than manned reconnaissance aircraft.”

“The aircraft will be operated under the same laws of armed conflict, international human rights law, and rules of engagement as manned aircraft.”

Built as part of the company’s Predator series of RPAS, the MQ-9 Reaper UAV will be deployed by the country to watch and protect the ADF and coalition land forces.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The autonomous aircraft will also provide reconnaissance support for search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Pyne added: “Remotely piloted aircraft allow military commanders to make more informed decisions faster whilst providing the option to conduct strike and reconnaissance operations without risking the safety of aircrew.

“The aircraft will be operated under the same laws of armed conflict, international human rights law, and rules of engagement as manned aircraft.”

Last February, GA‑ASI officially launched its Team Reaper Australia solution for the Project Air 7003 requirements.

Team Reaper Australia comprises Cobham, CAE, Raytheon, Flight Data Systems, TAE Aerospace, Quickstep, AirSpeed, Rockwell Collins Australia, Ultra, and SentientVision.