WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US State Department has approved a potential $243 million sale of five MQ-9 Block drones and associated equipment to Spain, US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a press release on Tuesday.
"The Spanish Air Force intends to use the MQ-9s for homeland security, peacekeeping, peace enforcement, counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations," the press release read. "The estimated total cost [of the sale] is $243 million."
The agency explained the possible sale will help Spanish military to enhance its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The United States and Spain signed an agreement on defense cooperation in December 1988.
In June, the two countries signed an agreement allowing a permanent US Marine Corps presence at Spain’s Moron Air Base. The agreement allows the United States to keep 2,200 personnel under normal circumstances and boost the number of military aircraft from 17 to 26.
