Final two MQ-9A Block 5 RPAs delivered to Spanish Air Force. Credit: Spanish Air Force.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has announced the delivery of the final two MQ-9A Block 5 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and a ground control station (GCS) to the Spanish Air Force (SAF).

This marks the completion of the foreign military sale of four aircraft and three GCSs to the air force.

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The 233rd Squadron at Talavera la Real Air Base will operate the new MQ-9s.

The delivery follows the completion of the acceptance test procedures (ATP), which were carried out at GA-ASI’s Gray Butte Flight Operations Facility.

The US Air Force MQ-9 System Program Office (SPO) witnessed the ATPs, on behalf of Spain’s Directorate-General for Armament and Materiel (DGAM) procurement team.

The success of the ATPs along with the integration of System 1 by the SAF, is said to have resulted in the award of Airworthiness Military Type Certificate for the aircraft from Spain.

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It is said to be the first instance where the certificate was awarded to MQ-9A Block 5.

With this, the entire system and maintenance are certified as safe for the personnel on the air and ground.

GA-ASI International Strategic Development VP Tommy Dunehew said: “We are proud of our partnership with the Spanish Air Force.

“We appreciate the confidence the Spanish authorities have shown in the MQ-9 by issuing this type certificate and we look forward to seeing the system successfully operate in support of the country´s national intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) requirements.”

In June, GA-ASI demonstrated three expanded automatic take-off and landing capability (ATLC) enhancements for MQ-9A Reaper aircraft.