Taiwan to receive first MQ-9B drones by 2026
The first MQ-9B aircraft will arrive by Q3 2026. (Photo: GA-ASI)
Taiwan is set to receive the first two MQ-9B SeaGuardian uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) next year, the country’s Ministry of National Defense has confirmed.
The deal, which was announced by the US in 2023, initially had a completion date of 2025. However, in March 2024, the US Department of Defense (DoD) announced that GA-ASI had been awarded an additional US$250 million contract to provide the four MQ-9B drones, with work extended to mid-August 2027 from the original 2025 date.
The MQ-9B deliveries are expected to coincide with other equipment procured by Taiwan, including 28 M1A2T Abrams tanks, in a bid
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
CH-47 Chinook: why the iconic helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender (updated 2026)
From its emergence as a ground-breaking design in the 1950s to its widespread deployment in diverse operations worldwide, the Chinook continues to leave an indelible mark on the aviation landscape. Shephard sums up the helicopter’s latest developments.
-
US Air Force to increase JASSM anti-interference and accuracy capabilities
The USAF is conducting market research to inform the procurement process for a new GPS/GNSS M-code receiver for the JASSM.
-
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.
-
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.