General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced plans to expand the capabilities of the MQ-9B drone with the integration of long-range strike missiles.
The goal is to transform the aircraft into a platform capable of conducting naval missions and deep strikes from a safe distance, enhancing its strategic role in high-complexity scenarios, especially in the Western Pacific.
According to the company, the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants will operate with precision weapons of extended range, meeting the demands of air and naval forces seeking systems capable of covering large maritime areas and keeping targets under threat without entering enemy engagement zones. The manufacturer emphasizes that the MQ-9B’s payload capacity allows this evolution without compromising endurance or time on station.
Among the missiles under consideration are the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), and the Joint Strike Missile (JSM). The company intends to conduct flight tests with at least one of these weapons as early as 2026, while engineers advance integration studies and operational concepts.
The MQ-9B family also includes the SeaGuardian and the Protector RG Mk1, the latter in the process of being adopted by the Royal Air Force. With customers including Belgium, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, and Taiwan, the model consolidates its international presence and reinforces its relevance in allied air and maritime operations.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photos: General Atomics | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
GA-ASI is developing the addition of long-range standoff weapons to expand MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® #UAS mission roles.
Read the news: https://t.co/Mng9jyUT0n#MQ9B #RPAS pic.twitter.com/OJnMiEn7Y2— General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) (@GenAtomics_ASI) February 23, 2026
