General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) announced Wednesday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Germany’s RUAG Aerospace Services to offer the former’s Predator B multi-mission remotely piloted aircraft to the German military. “GA-ASI’s establishment of a working relationship with RUAG represents a strategic commitment by both companies to support the German armed forces with a proven, affordable, and responsive solution to Germany’s [intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance] and defense requirements,” said Neal Blue, GA-ASI chairman and CEO. Under the MOU, RUAG will perform roles like assisting in the adaptation of hardware to German national standards, supporting German airworthiness certification, and providing logistical and maintenance support once the Predator Bs are delivered. The US Air Force already operates the Predator B, which it calls the MQ-9 Reaper. So do the Royal Air Force and Italian air force.
Collaborative Combat Aircraft designs from Anduril and General Atomics passed their critical design reviews early in November, clearing the way for detailed production efforts to get underway, the Air Force said. How future versions will be upgraded is still under discussion.