The purchase package includes two Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS) and three years of GA-ASI’s SkyGuardian Global Support Solutions. The MQ-9B’s advanced features, such as its long endurance, extended range, and ability to operate in unsegregated airspace, make it a highly capable and versatile platform for ISR missions. It also boasts automated takeoff and landing capabilities via SATCOM-only control, supported by the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system.
“The purchase of MQ-9B SkyGuardian will deliver persistent multi-domain situational awareness, which is vital to Poland,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “SkyGuardian is a critical security tool, and GA-ASI is proud to continue to build on its strong partnership with Poland.”
Poland’s acquisition builds upon the success of its operation of MQ-9A Reapers, leased from GA-ASI in 2022. The success of these missions demonstrated the effectiveness of the MQ-9 platform and paved the way for this new agreement. The Polish National Defense Ministry underscored the significance of the purchase, stating: “In the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, a contract was concluded for the supply of MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned reconnaissance systems, which will increase the capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces in the field of ISR.”
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian has gained international recognition and is currently in operation with several global defence and security forces. First delivered to the UK Royal Air Force in 2022, the MQ-9B has also been acquired by Belgium, Canada, Taiwan, India, and Japan. Its adaptability has been further demonstrated in various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.
