The Department of State will allow private U.S. companies sell 26 American Predator surveillance and reconnaissance drones and support equipment to the United Kingdom for around $1 billion.
The UK asked to buy 16 Predator B drones, with an option to buy 10 more, along with several ground control stations, global positioning systems and weapons installation kits. The Predator, manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc, is primarily used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnoissance, but can be modified to carry two Hellfire missiles on its wings.
If the sale goes through, the drones will be the first Predator B models for the country. England already operates several of the heavier Reaper drones, which are used for aerial attacks, so the country will have no problem incorporating the Predator drones into its fleet.
“This sale will improve the UK’s ability to meet current and future threats by providing improved Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage that enhances homeland security, promotes increased battlefield situational awareness, augments combat search and rescue, and provides ground troop support,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.
The DSCA, which manages foreign military sales, said that the “proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
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