Aircraft
NATO User Group for Reaper UAVs Established
The Italian air force was the first European customer for the Predator/Reaper series of UAVs, and may host a common training facility. (Photo: Italian Ministry of Defence)
The Italian air force was the first European customer for the Predator/Reaper series of UAVs, and may host a common training facility. (Photo: Italian Ministry of Defence)

A NATO Members User Group for the GA-ASI MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is being established. According to Frank Pace, president of GA-ASI, it will provide a forum for new European Reaper operators to understand U.S. tactics, techniques and procedures, and to arrange mutually beneficial support solutions. The UK and France already operate Reapers, and the Netherlands will buy four, according to Pace. Germany remains a potential customer, he added, although it might wait for the certifiable Predator B. This version of the Reaper is on schedule to fly in late 2016, Pace added.