General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced plans to expand the capabilities of the MQ-9B drone with the integration of long-range strike missiles.
The proposal is to transform the aircraft into a platform capable of carrying out naval missions and deep attacks from a safe distance, expanding its strategic role in highly complex scenarios, especially in the Western Pacific.
According to the company, the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants will operate with extended-range precision weapons, meeting the demand of air and naval forces that seek means capable of covering large maritime areas and maintaining targets under threat without entering the enemy engagement zone. The manufacturer highlights that the load capacity of the MQ-9B allows this evolution without compromising autonomy and flight time.
Among the missiles evaluated 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 carry out flight tests with at least one of these weapons in 2026, while engineers advance integration studies and operational concepts.
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The MQ-9B family also includes the SeaGuardian and the Protector RG Mk1, the latter in the process of being incorporated by the Royal Air Force. With clients such as Belgium, Canada, Germany, India, Japan and Taiwan, the model consolidates its international presence and reinforces its relevance in air and maritime operations in allied countries.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @GenAtomics_ASI | 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
