General Atomics nets first US customer for MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAS
Air Force Special Operations Command will receive three MQ-9B SkyGuardian aircraft. (Photo: GA-ASI)
Air Force Special Operations Command is procuring the MQ-9B SkyGuardian to support its Adaptive Airborne Enterprise concept.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) has netted the first US customer for its MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) with a selection by Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
Under a new contract, GA-ASI will provide AFSOC with three MQ-9B aircraft, following in the footsteps of the UK, Belgium and Japan, among others.
The AFSOC acquisition of the MQ-9B builds on over 14 years’ experience operating the MQ-9A Reaper.
GA-ASI president David R Alexander said: ‘We’re very excited to continue our great partnership with AFSOC well into the future,
‘MQ-9B is the ideal platform for inserting air-launched
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo details Proteus’s path to autonomous anti-submarine missions for the Royal Navy]()
Leonardo details Proteus’s path to autonomous anti-submarine missions for the Royal Navy
Leonardo’s integration of Shield AI’s Hivemind software could enable its Proteus uncrewed helicopter to conduct independent anti-submarine warfare missions, supporting the Royal Navy’s plans for a future hybrid air wing.
-
![European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans]()
European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans
Poland is seeking to update its transport helicopters as part of a wider military aviation modernisation programme, with EU funding requirements and NATO interoperability key considerations.
-
![October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age]()
October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
