MQ-9B

On May 1, 2023, the Royal Air Force (RAF) began training its first cohort of pilots, sensor operators, and mission intelligence coordinators on operating its new Protector Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) at the Flight Test & Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, N.D. The FTTC is owned and operated by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), which has begun deliveries of Protector RPAS to the RAF. Protector is a derivative of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian and is initially being flown in the USA for training.

RAF began training on Protector RPAS

Aircrew training on Protector RG Mk1, the Royal Air Force’s new Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) has commenced in the United States.

The U.S. Navy’s Group Sail Exercise, held over a six-day period in Hawaiian military operating areas, featured one of the world’s most advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) — the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® supplied by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). SeaGuardian conducted Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (MISR), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Long Range Fires, and simulated Battle Damage Assessment as part of Group Sail, which supported Carrier Strike Groups FIFTEEN and ONE.

MQ-9B SeaGuardian featured in US Navy Group Sail Exercise

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

The U.S. Navy’s Group Sail Exercise featured one of the world’s most advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) — the MQ-9B SeaGuardian.

Belgium and the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable close cooperation and future collaboration on their MQ-9B programmes.

Belgium and the UK sign the MQ-9B International Cooperation Programme MOU

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

Belgium and the United Kingdom have signed a MoU to enable close cooperation and future collaboration on their MQ-9B programmes.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), SES and Hughes Network Systems (HUGHES) worked together to successfully demonstrate multi-orbit satellite communications (SATCOM) using a GA-ASI-supplied MQ-9B SkyGuardian

GA-ASI, SES and Hughes demonstrates NextGen SATCOM on MQ-9B SkyGuardian

Air, Space/C4ISR, Top / By Defence Industry Europe

GA-ASI, SES and Hughes Network Systems worked together to successfully demonstrate multi-orbit satellite communications using a GA-ASI-supplied MQ-9B SkyGuardian.

The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) commenced flight operations using an MQ-9B SeaGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).

MQ-9B SeaGuardian begins operations for Japan Coast Guard

Air, Top / By Defence Industry Europe

The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) commenced flight operations using an MQ-9B SeaGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems tested a PT6 E-Series model turboprop engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada MQ-9B RPA.

GA-ASI tests PT6 E-Series engine from Pratt & Whitney on MQ-9B

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems tested a PT6 E-Series model turboprop engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada MQ-9B RPA.