Spain buys drones from American firm

SPAIN will soon have eyes in the sky as reports from February 17 confirm its government is investing in four General Atomics Predator drones. 

The nation will join the ranks of the USA, the UK, France and Italy, who also operate the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned and unarmed surveillance planes. 

Built by US defence contractor General Atomics, Spain´s drone deal will include electro-optical and infrared sensors, radar, ground control stations and data link capabilities. 

Approval for the sale came in October 2014, with the US government notifying Congress of the deal shortly afterwards. 

The Pentagon’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency said that the Spanish Air Force wanted the drones for the purpose of homeland security, counterterrorism operations, counterinsurgency, peacekeeping and peace enforcement. 

Unconfirmed sources suggest the deal is worth $243million, a price which will include the drones´ delivery and some spare parts, as well as training and support.