MQ-9B SkyGuardian. Photo and video: Instagram generalatomics_asi
Taiwan has acquired additional MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from the United States, as announced by the US Department of Defense on March 12.
+ Click here to watch the MQ-9B SkyGuardian video
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc was awarded a 250 million dollar contract to supply the island with advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), along with support equipment.
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The package includes four MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAVs, two ground control stations, and spare parts, marking a significant step in enhancing Taiwan’s capabilities in maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare (ASW). This acquisition complements Taiwan’s efforts to develop its own Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV program with the Teng Yun 2, a vehicle with a distinct role aimed at different operations compared to the MQ-9B Reaper UCAV.
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian, a specialized variant for maritime operations derived from an initial concept proposed for the US Navy’s Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) program, is equipped with cutting-edge technologies. Its synthetic aperture radar facilitates the detection of surface targets, such as ships and submarine periscopes, while its ability to deploy sonobuoys enhances its ASW functions.
Future upgrades planned for the SeaGuardian include the integration of ASW torpedoes and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for self-defense, further consolidating Taiwan’s position at the forefront of maritime and aerial defense technology.
Photos and video: Instagram @generalatomics_asi / With information from
