The American arms manufacturer General Atomics is offering Ukraine two Reaper MQ-9 combat drones for one dollar to help Kyiv before a possible Russian offensive, writes The Wall Street Journal.
However, as the publication notes, in addition to acquiring drones at such a low price, Ukraine will have to pay $ 10 million for the preparation of the Reaper MQ-9 for combat operations and their delivery, as well as about $ 8 million per year for maintenance. In addition to drones, the Ukrainian military will receive a ground control station for these UAVs.
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With such a proposal to the military attache of Ukraine in Washington, according to the WSJ, General Atomics CEO Linden Blue addressed. The White House, which must approve the deal, as well as the Ukrainian authorities declined to comment, the newspaper notes.
General Atomics spokesman Mark Brinkley told the WSJ that the company does not comment on specific deals, but believes Ukraine needs drones like the Reaper. “General Atomics has been discussing the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the Ukrainian government for many months and remains ready to provide them with any support,” a company spokesman said.
Over the past year, the United States has provided more than 700 small drones to Ukraine, including Switchblade tactical drones, WSJ recalls, but the Reaper is a much more sophisticated drone with greater range, speed and capabilities.
The Reaper has a wingspan of about 20 meters, the drone can be in flight for more than 24 hours and carry weapons. General Atomics offers Ukraine an older model MQ-9A Block 1. One such drone, according to the publication, costs several million dollars.
Earlier, Reuters, citing two officials from the administration of President Joe Biden, reported that the US authorities are preparing a new $ 2.2 billion military assistance package for Ukraine, which for the first time will include long-range missiles, as well as other ammunition and weapons.
This, according to the agency, is about the supply of GLSDB (Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb) missiles with a range of 150 kilometers. Currently, missiles with a range of 70 kilometers are being delivered to Ukraine.
The announcement of a new security assistance package could be made as early as this week. The package is also expected to include support equipment for Patriot air defense systems, precision-guided munitions and Javelin anti-tank missiles, the sources added.
