From AFP:  Plans to sell US Reaper drones to France advanced Monday as Congress raised no objections to the contract, Pentagon officials said.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees foreign military sales, had notified Congress on June 27 of the proposed contract, and lawmakers voiced no opposition during a 15-day review period. . . .

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had announced on June 11 plans to buy 12 Reaper aircraft from the United States, a purchase worth about $874 million, or 670 million Euros.

An initial two drones, currently in production by San Diego-based manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, are due to be delivered to France by the end of the year. . . .

The number of drones cited by the Pentagon exceeded the number unveiled by Paris, which is often the case in arms deals to allow a partner to order additional hardware without requiring the DSCA to come back to the US Congress for another approval.  (photo: Getty)

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