Italian Air Force Awards CAE Contract for MQ-9A Predator Mission Trainer Plus

CAE has announced the award of a new contract from the Italian Air Force for the delivery of the MQ-9A Block 5 Predator Mission Trainer Plus (PMT Plus).

The contract also includes initial in-service support, expanding CAE’s long-standing role in supporting Italy’s defense training capabilities.

Developed in partnership with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the PMT Plus is designed to simulate real-world operational conditions for the MQ-9A Reaper unmanned aircraft. It allows pilots and sensor operators to transition from simulator to live flight operations with minimal additional training on the actual platform.

CAE’s system includes enhancements tailored to the Italian Air Force’s Operational Flight Program (OFP) and features Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC). The trainer also integrates improved graphics and mission-specific functionality to support Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) tasks, interdiction, and close air support.