The collaboration will combine Saab’s advanced AEW&C sensor technology with GA-ASI’s long-endurance unmanned aerial platforms to provide persistent surveillance and extended situational awareness. The partners plan to begin flight testing the AEW-equipped MQ-9B in 2026.
“High and low-tech air threats both pose major challenges to global air forces,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We’re developing an affordable AEW solution in cooperation with Saab, the leading provider of AEW&C systems, that will transform our customers’ operations against both sophisticated cruise missiles and simple but dangerous drone swarms.”
The AEW system is designed to operate over both land and sea, providing critical aloft sensing to defend against tactical aircraft, guided missiles, drones, and other emerging threats. “We’re also making AEW capability possible in areas it doesn’t exist today, such as from some navy warships at sea,” added Alexander.
Saab’s AEW sensors will be mounted on the MQ-9B, which is recognised as the world’s most advanced medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system. “This unmanned medium-altitude AEW solution, leveraging core competencies of both companies, has excellent potential to complement our existing AEW&C portfolio and provide customers with yet another cutting-edge capability,” said Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.
This solution complements Saab’s current manned AEW&C systems, including GlobalEye, and offers additional options for customers seeking cost-effective and flexible surveillance capabilities. It can be deployed as a standalone system or as part of a manned-unmanned teaming approach, extending the operational reach of existing fleets.
The MQ-9B AEW variant will enable early detection, long-range tracking, and simultaneous target engagement, all supported by line-of-sight and SATCOM communications. Operational availability for the MQ-9B is among the highest of any military aircraft, and as an unmanned platform, it also reduces risk to aircrew.
GA-ASI’s MQ-9B has already been selected by countries such as the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Poland, Japan, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force, and it has participated in key U.S. Navy exercises including Northern Edge, RIMPAC, and Integrated Battle Problem. The new AEW capability is expected to provide enhanced air surveillance and threat response for nations that may not have access to traditional AEW platforms.
