July 15, 2026 | UAV.com Staff Report

The MQ-9 series of remotely piloted aircraft systems are in advanced stages of rapidly fielding new capabilities to stay ahead in the new era of warfare. Addressing some of the most pressing threats seen on current battlefields, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is adding multi-domain capabilities to MQ-9B SkyGuardian^® / SeaGuardian^® and MQ-9A Reaper^®.

Early detection and warning, long-range tracking & weapons, counter-UAS effects, directing aircraft threat engagement. GA-ASI is expanding the list of mission capabilities for its MQ-9 family of systems with advanced solutions to detect, deter and defeat threats in the air, at sea or on the ground–before they become a risk to warfighters and crewed platforms.

Unmanned Airborne Early Warning

MQ-9B Airborne Early Warning & Control is on the way toward an operational capability in partnership with Saab, a global leader in AEW systems. Saab’s LoyalEye radar sensor on MQ-9B enhances the aircraft’s early warning surveillance capabilities. Dubbed the “world’s first Unmanned Airborne Early Warning solution”, MQ-9B AEW offers critical aloft sensing to defend against tactical air munitions, fighters and bombers. The system extends the reach of existing crewed early warning & control platforms and provides cost-effective capabilities to forces looking for an organic AEWC solution.  

MQ-9B AEW flight testing began in May, and GA-ASI and Saab are expected to demonstrate the full capability later in the year.

Counter-UAS Solution

Combat roles of MQ-9A Reaper are growing to include a persistent airborne counter-UAS capability with advanced munitions integrated on the aircraft for countering drone threats. The UAS executed multiple shot profile variations using APKWS payload on MQ-9A in a flight demo featuring aerial target engagement. Affordable precision munitions like APKWS on MQ-9A and MQ-9B can increase weapons capacity and enhance precision weapons capability.

When combined with industry-leading endurance, MQ-9 aircraft provide wide-area coverage and kinetic effects against drone swarms, protecting lives and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

 

Long-Range Weapons Capable

MQ-9B LRW extends operational reach for targeting and strike with long-range weapons delivery. GA-ASI is developing long-range weapons capability on MQ-9B for long-range strike across land, air maritime domains. With enhanced payload capacity, MQ-9B LRW can support extended-range precision weapons & targeting, delivering lethality from increased standoff distance to protect assets from air or surface threats.

Through internal investment, partnership and collaboration, GA-ASI continues to follow through on a core competency: innovating ahead of need. By advancing future-focused capabilities and maintaining operational relevance, the entire MQ-9 family of systems remains on the leading edge of persistent unmanned ISR and combat.