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
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
![FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne]()
FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne
Bell Flight’s modular open-systems approach for the US Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne could open doors for international allies and suppliers once locked out by closed rotorcraft architectures.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
