The German Navy is enhancing its ISR and ASW capabilities by acquiring eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) from General Atomics.
The Bundeswehr is buying the ground-controlled remote-piloted aircraft (RPA) via the NSPA, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. Germany should receive its first drones in 2028.
MQ-9B SeaGuardians feature two surface-search radars for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and can carry and deploy sonobuoys for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) tasks too.
As per the Bundeswehr statement: “The uncrewed aerial vehicles are primarily being procured for use over water and will be deployed by the naval air arm.”
It said it would be using the drones to complement its P-8A Poseidon fleet to take advantage of its extended endurance; with their 20-metre wingspan and relatively low weight, the drones can stay airborne for up to 30 hours at a time.
GA-ASI’s CEO Linden Blue remarked: “We’re thrilled that Germany has joined the list of NATO countries that have selected MQ-9B SeaGuardian. The proliferation of MQ-9B in Europe delivers commonality between NATO countries and for Germany, it will provide opportunities for interoperability with their fleet of P-8As.”
In addition to the U.S., GA-ASI already has MQ-9B procurement contracts with Belgium, Canada, Denmark, India, Japan, Poland, and Taiwan. The firm is also delivering its Protector RG Mk1 drone variant to the U.K.’s Royal Air Force.
- You can read more details on the Bundeswehr website and the GA-ASI website