SeaGuardian traverses the North Sea
MQ-9B pictured in the UK in 2018. (Photo: General Atomics)
Two days of flights between the UK and the Netherlands were part of a broader capability demonstration programme.
An MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAV owned by General Atomics flew from RAF Waddington in the UK to Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands on 2 September, as part of a capability demonstration programme in the two countries.
Two days of flights between the two countries showed seamless movement ‘between military and civilian airspaces’, General Atomics announced, adding that the demonstration ‘ displayed SeaGuardian’s maritime surveillance capabilities in support of international allies’.
The aircraft (a maritime version of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian) subsequently returned to Waddington before it participates in the UK-led Joint Warrior exercise scheduled for 26 September to 8 October.
The series of maritime demonstrations began in August (slightly later than originally planned) and they will finish in September. The aim is to showcase the ISR, sense-and-avoid and endurance capabilities of the SeaGuardian for NATO allies.
The RNLAF has ordered four MQ-9A Block 5 aircraft, the first of which is expected to be delivered to 306 Squadron at Leeuwarden later this year.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
-
![FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities]()
FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities
The USAF’s Next-Generation Aerial Refuelling Programme is coming under scrutiny in the wake of the Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request, signalling a change in how the force could prioritise the modernisation of its tanker fleet.
-
![Can laser-guided rockets and light aircraft help tackle the CUAS cost-curve?]()
Can laser-guided rockets and light aircraft help tackle the CUAS cost-curve?
While the move to integrate lower-cost missiles onto more combat aircraft is long overdue, there is also an opportunity for cheaper turboprop platforms to perform CUAS roles.
