The Italian Ministry of Defense has announced the launch of a new contract process for the procurement of US-made MQ-27 ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a step that will significantly increase the Italian Navy’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The decision aims to strengthen the Navy’s ISR capabilities with light and ship-based UAV systems in line with its operational needs determined in 2022.
According to Army Recognition, this new procurement is an expansion of the first procurement program that the Italian Navy is currently carrying out, which includes the integration of ScanEagle systems into FREMM-class frigates. The first program was implemented on September 18, 2013, with the agreement signed with Insitu Inc., and two ScanEagle systems (four UAVs), a ground control station, a remote video terminal and a launch and recovery system were delivered to the Navy.
Greater Integration and Enhanced Capabilities on FREMM Frigates
Under the new contract, Italy will integrate ScanEagle UAVs onto two FREMM-class frigates instead of the three ships initially planned. However, unlike the first agreement, this new procurement will include UAVs carrying more electro-optical (EO) systems. These advanced EO systems will significantly increase the Navy’s surveillance and target acquisition capabilities. In addition, the contract includes a spare parts package based on flight hours and basic and advanced operator training modules. These training modules are critical for personnel to be able to effectively use and maintain the systems.
Insitu Inc. Responsible for Sourcing and Certification
US-based Insitu Inc., the developer and manufacturer of ScanEagle systems, is also the prime contractor for this new contract. The company will also be responsible for the system’s aviation certification. The ScanEagle system’s core elements, such as the aircraft, launcher and recovery system, can be easily transported from ship to ship, while components such as the ground control station and antennas are permanently integrated into the ships. This design allows the system to be flexibly deployed on different platforms.
Three-Year Payment Plan and FMS Scope
This important agreement, with a total cost of 19,5 million Euros, is planned to be carried out with a three-year payment schedule covering the years 2025-2027. Within this framework, it is envisaged to make payments of 2025 million Euros in 13,4, 2026 million Euros in 4,9 and 2027 thousand Euros in 961. The contract will be carried out within the framework of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) with a pre-announcement non-tender negotiation procedure. Since it falls within the scope of military equipment, it will be exempt from certain publication and transparency obligations. This will allow the procurement process to proceed more quickly and without bureaucratic obstacles.
The Italian Navy’s acquisition of additional ScanEagle UAVs is considered a strategic step that will significantly increase its intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in maritime operations. Together with advanced EO systems and a comprehensive training package, the Italian Navy’s maritime effectiveness and situational awareness will be further strengthened.
