General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and its MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft will continue to support prime contractor SMX who was recently awarded a task order to provide U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) mission and intelligence analysis operations. GA-ASI is a major subcontractor to SMX for the AFRICOM Reconnaissance Intelligence Exploitation Services (ARIES) task order with an estimated value of $2.3 billion (inclusive of option periods). ARIES, like its predecessor task order, is a complex, multi-tenant task order providing cutting-edge full lifecycle intelligence solutions through cloud-enabled data insights and decision analytics. ARIES’ objective is to improve the United States’ ability to observe, orient, decide and act faster and more effectively on the information provided through an innovative system of systems intelligence collection and dissemination eco-system.
The new award has a seven-year period of performance and will allow SMX and its teaming partners to extend their support through 2029 if all option periods are exercised. The contract will cover continued ISR services for AFRICOM using six MQ-9As produced by GA-ASI, which will make up three lines with two aircraft each. The MQ-9As are supplied by GA-ASI as part of a Company-Owned, Company-Operated (COCO) lease agreement. GA-ASI is the world’s leading manufacturer of RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions. SMX is an industry leader in Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR).
“It’s exciting to be able to continue to work with SMX and continue to support AFRICOM,” said Senior Vice President for MQ-9 Systems, Fred Darlington. “I believe our success in winning the ARIES subcontract is due to the great work the team has provided for the past three years on the continent.”
SMX is a leader in next-generation cloud, C5ISR, and advanced engineering and IT solutions operating in close proximity to clients across the U.S. and around the globe. SMX delivers scalable and secure solutions combined with the mission expertise needed to accelerate outcomes for the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, Public Sector, Fortune 1000 and other public and private sector clients.
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than seven million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.
