Help with a catch: General Atomics offers Ukraine MQ-9 Reaper UAV
UAV MQ-9 Reaper at the airfield
For a long time, the Kiev regime has been begging foreign patrons for a variety of weapons and equipment, incl. reconnaissance and strike UAVs of a heavy class. The American company General Atomics agrees to provide available Drones type MQ-9. However, the supply of such equipment requires an appropriate permit, and its preparation for shipment requires money.
foreign offer
Talks about the possible delivery of foreign heavy UAVs with a shock function to Ukraine began in February-March last year. Information about the existence of such plans and proposals, as well as about holding consultations, has repeatedly appeared in the foreign press. However, no real steps followed.
A few days ago, the topic of reconnaissance and strike UAVs reappeared in the media. So, on January 31, the American edition of The Wall Street Journal published interesting information on this subject. He managed to obtain a document sent by General Atomics to the Ukrainian leadership and the US government.
According to the WSJ, General Atomics, represented by the aviation division of Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) proposes to send an unmanned aerial vehicle to Ukraine aviation MQ-9 Reaper complex, including two UAVs and a ground control station. These products belong to the manufacturer itself and are now used for training and testing purposes, but they are ready to be abandoned.
MQ-9 in flight
It was reported that GA-ASI plans to "sell" the complex for a symbolic price of $1. At the same time, the recipient will have to bear the associated costs. WSJ reported that the preparation of equipment for shipment, training of personnel and delivery to Ukraine will cost about $ 10 million. In addition, Kyiv will have to bear the operating costs - approx. $8 million annually.
To “sell” an unmanned complex, the manufacturing company needs permission from the US government. According to the WSJ, General Atomics has already applied for it and is waiting for a decision. At the same time, the possible terms for issuing the necessary document are unknown, as well as the terms for the delivery of equipment.
Updated data
Already on February 1, General Atomics issued official clarifications regarding the latest data in the media. The general director of the organization, Linden Blue, confirmed his intention to help the Kyiv regime, clarified some features of the proposed proposal, and also denied some of the information from the press.
The official press release from GA-ASI begins with obligatory bombastic theses about the heroic struggle of Ukraine against the enemy and the unanimous support of the whole world. In addition, the head did not forget to recall the commercial achievements of his company and call its products "the gold standard in the world." After such a peculiar introduction, really interesting information is provided.
The press release recalls that General Atomics has long been looking for an opportunity to help Ukraine with the supply of its products, incl. UAV MQ-9 Reaper and the provision of related services. Various measures are proposed in the form of transfer of equipment, organization of logistics, training of operators, etc.
Drone control station
Indeed, GA-ASI recently made a proposal to transfer to Kyiv two of its training and test UAVs, a control station and other items from stock. Information is being confirmed about a possible sale at a symbolic price and an intention to train personnel at their own expense.
At the same time, the press release reminds of additional items of expenditure. Preparing drones for combat use, equipping them with the necessary equipment, transporting them to a new duty station, organizing sorties, etc. are also associated with certain costs. GA-ASI has no control over these factors, but is willing to perform all necessary work at cost and without profit. It is also indicated that these events will not be held at the expense of American taxpayers.
Also, General Atomics confirms the information of the press that the prospects for delivery depend only on the US leadership. However, the press release does not mention that GA-ASI has requested permission. In addition, unlike the article in the WSJ, the cost of "additional measures" and the operation of equipment is not named.
Benefit Issues
It is easy to see that the publication from The Wall Street Journal and the General Atomics press release generally report the same information. At the same time, there are certain differences in the wording and data presented, which give the whole situation a curious look.
Reaper with JDAM bombs
The WSJ publication revealed all the main details of the GA-ASI proposal, including the financial side of the future delivery. In particular, the approximate cost of the work was named - in fact, the price of equipment for the recipient. So, for the preparation of only two drones and other activities, the Ukrainian side will have to pay approx. 10 million dollars. The operation of the equipment will also not be free for the recipient.
General Atomics neatly sidesteps these issues in its press release. The company notes that it is not going to make money on the supply of UAVs, and taxpayers will not have to pay for it. In fact, the leadership of GA-ASI transparently hints that the money will have to be allocated to the Kyiv regime - but does not say this directly.
You should pay attention to the equipment that is planned to be sent from the United States to Ukraine. We are talking about two MQ-9, owned by the manufacturer and used as experimental platforms. Apparently, this technique is not distinguished by a small age, and besides, it has managed to use up a significant part of its resource. It is likely that two UAVs are in need of repair and restoration. At whose expense it will be carried out, it is not difficult to guess.
Help with a trick
In general, a very interesting situation is emerging. An American commercial company is proactively offering Ukraine modern UAVs, practically free of charge. Such equipment is of great interest to Ukrainian formations and could help them. However, the proposed "help" has a number of characteristic features that predetermine the lack of real results.
First of all, the financial side of the matter is of interest. For a dollar, General Atomics is only ready to sell equipment and train operators. All other activities will be carried out only for money, and it is easy to understand who has already been appointed as the payer.
AIM-9X air-to-air missile drone
As a result of the measures, 10 million dollars, not counting the costs of operation, the Kyiv regime will receive only two UAVs and a control station. The real value of such a complex in the context of the current conflict is in question. For all its advantages and capabilities, the MQ-9 will be at great risk.
Drones of this type are a fairly easy target for Russian air defense systems. There is a great risk that the very first flight of any of the two MQ-9s will be suppressed by air defense forces. In addition, the Russian army can destroy aircraft right at the base airfield. At the same time, the destruction of even one UAV will drastically reduce the operational capabilities of the complex - and its value for the new owner.
Own interests
Thus, it is already clear that with the proposed delivery of the MQ-9 Reaper UAV to Ukraine, the American side plans to solve its own problems. Thus, General Atomics will have the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the "ideals of freedom and democracy", as well as get rid of old and unnecessary equipment at no additional cost.
In such a scheme, Ukraine is offered the role of a party that pays for all the work of a foreign partner. At the same time, she will receive a small and not new equipment, which, moreover, is exposed to great risks. No benefits are expected for the Kyiv regime. But his position and opinion are of no interest to anyone.
- Ryabov Kirill
- GA-ASI, US Department of Defense
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