SeaGuardian traverses the North Sea
MQ-9B pictured in the UK in 2018. (Photo: General Atomics)
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.
More from Air Warfare
-
First C-40A transport aircraft arrive for US Marine Corps
The second US Marine Corps C-40A aircraft is scheduled for delivery in early autumn 2023.
-
Why the Philippines is still awaiting long-range patrol aircraft after a decade
It is believed that the Philippine Air Force has selected an Israeli solution for its maritime patrol aircraft programme.
-
MQ-28 Ghost Bat ‘could fit the bill’ for UK's Loyal Wingman capability needs, says Boeing
The affordability of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat will play a crucial role in determining its suitability for the UK's defence needs. With studies under way to determine the affordability threshold, discussions also focus on the contribution this capability could make to the domestic industrial base.