General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

General Atomics Delivers Final Predator UAVs to Italian Air Force

By Mike Ball / 24 Dec 2015
Follow UST

General Atomics Predator UAVGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems and related solutions, has announced that the Italian Air Force (ItAF) has accepted delivery of two RQ-1 Predator RPA systems, marking final deliveries of GA-ASI’s Predator A product line.

“With the delivery of these aircraft, GA-ASI completes over two decades of delivering Predator A capabilities to the United States and allied countries,” said Frank W. Pace, president, Aircraft Systems, GA-ASI. “Amassing over 2.1 million cumulative flight hours and featuring the highest Mission Capable Rate of any aircraft in the Air Force’s inventory, Predators will continue to keep warfighters safe by equipping them with unparalleled situational awareness for many years to come.”

The Italian Air Force is a leader in the utilization of Predator and MQ-9 RPA to support a wide range of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Italy, over the Mediterranean, and in support of NATO operations. Italy is the first country in Europe to have achieved an RPA airworthiness certification. GA-ASI has been supplying the ItAF with these critical assets for more than a decade.

To learn more, visit the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc Partner Hub: Innovation Partner Hub
Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

More from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

New GA-ASI Collaboration Enhances AEW Capability on MQ-9B Platform

General Atomics and Saab are collaborating to equip the MQ-9B unmanned aircraft with advanced AEW&C capabilities, expanding cost-effective aerial surveillance options

Jun 19, 2025
Autonomous GA-ASI Jet Executes Successful Simulated Shoot-Down

GA-ASI demonstrated autonomous combat capabilities and software integration using multiple aircraft and standardized government reference architectures

Jun 19, 2025
Small Propeller-Driven UAS Launched Effect for Uncrewed Operations

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has unveiled the PELE, a versatile, semi-autonomous uncrewed launched effect with 7 hour endurance, optimized for use on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®, that can also be launched from the ground

Jun 18, 2025
GA-ASI Spotlights Advanced Uncrewed Systems at Paris 2025

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is internationally showcasing a full-scale model of the company’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) at the Paris Air Show 2025 at Stand B-176, Hall 3

Jun 16, 2025
GA-ASI Secures Support Contract for Protector RG Mk1 RPA System

The UK MoD has signed a long-term support contract with GA-ASI to sustain the RAF’s Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) system

Jun 13, 2025
GA-ASI Personnel Recognized for Aerospace Industry Contributions

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. was honored by AIAA for multiple contributions to aerospace, with team members recognized in four key award categories

Jun 10, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.