Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force selects General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardians
The MQ-9B is an upgraded variant of the MQ-9A designed for ISR missions. (Photo: GA-ASI)
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian will be used as part of the JMSDF’s long range maritime ISR patrol programme.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has chosen General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ (GA-ASI) SeaGuardian aircraft system as part of its long-endurance uncrewed aerial vehicle programme.
The SeaGuardian system has already been used by the JMSDF since General Atomics was selected in 2023 as part of its Medium-Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAS project. It has also been deployed by the JMSDF for evaluation which include tests to see if uncrewed aircraft can replace some missions currently carried out crewed aircraft.
As noted by GA-ASI, MALE UAS can fly for 24h or more, depending on configuration.
According to the Naval News, a source from the JMSDF confirmed that 23 SeaGuardian systems will be acquired by 2032. The first SeaGuardian is apparently scheduled for 2028, although no deployment site has been chosen.
Based on a comparative maritime programme, Shephard estimates the procurement could cost US$1.2 billion.
GA-ASI has already strengthened its Maritime Wide Area Surveillance system for Japan with Optix+, a software suite which gathers information using SeaGuardian sensors and correlates and exploits collected data.
According to GA-ASI, the SeaGuardian features two multi-mode maritime surface search radars with an Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar imaging mode, an Automatic Identification System receiver and a High-Definition – Full-Motion Video sensor. The latter sensor is equipped with optical and infrared cameras as well as electronic intelligence receivers.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production]()
France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
-
![Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports]()
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
-
![France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage]()
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
![US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk]()
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.
-
![US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft]()
US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft
The contract modification, awarded to Boeing, is worth $61.2 million and will support the US Navy’s (USN's) evolution of its P-8 Poseidon aircraft as continued upgrades are made to boost its capabilities and lethality.
-
![Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production]()
Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production
The UK Ministry of Defence remains resolute that the Typhoon sits at the heart of the country’s air defence capabilities and is focused on the aircraft’s potential export orders, despite its continued focus on F-35 procurement.
