About

About MQ-9B SeaGuardian

MQ-9B SeaGuardian is General Atomics Aeronautical Systems' maritime configuration of the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft. It combines long-endurance flight with electro-optical and infrared imaging, multimode radar, Automatic Identification System reception and other customer-selected payloads for wide-area surface and coastal surveillance. Automatic takeoff and landing, satellite control links and provisions for detect-and-avoid equipment support operation across long distances and integration with managed airspace.

Published specifications give a 24-metre wingspan, maximum altitude above 40,000 feet, endurance up to 40 hours and maximum speed of 210 knots. The aircraft can carry 4,800 pounds across internal space and nine hardpoints, subject to configuration. An optional anti-submarine system adds sonobuoy dispensing and acoustic monitoring; that capability is not inherent to every SeaGuardian. Airworthiness approvals, communications coverage, sensor fit, weather, rules of engagement and crew procedures bound any operational mission.

Observed use

Exact-product configurations are shown without inferring supply, purchase, customer status, standard fit, deployment or partnership.

DRU Pod
Evaluation - Mounted - Physical - A Japan Coast Guard MQ-9B SeaGuardian carried SoftBank’s DRU Pod during airborne mobile-network verification off Kochi, Japan.
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Supply

Supply / Components

MQ-9B SeaGuardian
Disasterreliefunitpodcommunicationspayload - Communications - SoftBank Corp. - SoftBank manufactured the DRU communications pod mounted on a GA-ASI MQ-9B SeaGuardian for a 2026 flight trial - source: softbank.jp
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Timeline

SoftBank verifies airborne mobile coverage using MQ-9B SeaGuardian
2026-10-02 - Demonstration - The aircraft flew at 3,000 metres and provided ground coverage exceeding 5 kilometres in diameter. Outdoor measurements reached 20 Mbps downlink and 5 Mbps uplink using 5 MHz bandwidth. SoftBank built the pod to GA-ASI design and quality requirements; gimballed antennas compensated for aircraft motion.
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General Atomics wins ₹19.43 billion Indian Navy MQ-9B lease contract
2026-08-17 - Contract Award - The agreement covers two high-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft for a 30-month term. The aircraft will support maritime domain awareness and persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance across the Indian Ocean region. Reuters reported the contract value as approximately US$203 million at the time of signing.
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Germany orders eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian aircraft through NSPA
2026-01-12 - Contract Award - The German procurement covers eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian aircraft and four certified ground control stations. The acquisition is being executed through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. General Atomics expects deliveries to begin in 2028.
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