The US Navy recently tested its long-range, medium-altitude remotely piloted aircraft system. The performance of the MQ-9B SeaGuardian, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), was evaluated by the Commander’s Operational Group (COG) of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (MPRF).
SeaGuardian is the maritime variant of the MQ-9B Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) operated by the USN under a Company-Owned, Company-Operated (COCO) contract with GA-ASI supporting an ongoing capability assessment for the 7th Fleet.
US Navy examines MQ-9B SeaGuardian as potential ‘force multiplier’
“We are always pleased when our naval customer presents our SeaGuardian at these naval tactical symposiums,” said Patrick Shortsleeve, vice president of Defense Strategic Development at GA-ASI.
“Whidbey Island is a great place to showcase SeaGuardian along with the P-8A Poseidon to MPRF professionals, illustrating that this future-oriented capability is now in place and ready for use.”
The U.S. Navy has been evaluating the MQ-9B SeaGuardian as a potential MPRF “force multiplier” for a variety of missions. Whidbey Island has been a staging area for the MQ-9B SeaGuardian’s mission capabilities during various naval exercises, including Northern Edge and Integrated Battle Problem, and has supported the aircraft carrier’s pre-deployment preparation work, a news release said.
The COG brings together senior MPRF leaders, tacticians and industry partners to discuss state-of-the-art naval aviation capabilities and review operational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) currently used across the fleet. At the request of the Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, GA-ASI made its MQ-9B SeaGuardian available to provide participants with a close look at a Group 5 Maritime Optimized Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) currently in use by the USN and several foreign partners. SeaGuardian was also part of the 2025 Whidbey Island Open House, according to the press release.
Airplanes are suitable for raising awareness of the maritime sector
The aircraft is particularly suitable for maritime domain awareness (MDA), maritime surveillance, anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. It can also support search and rescue operations, disaster relief and maritime law enforcement operations.
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian has a wingspan of approximately 24 meters (79 feet), a length of approximately 11.7 meters (38 feet), and a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 5,670 kg (12,500 lb). It is powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine and can operate at altitudes above 40,000 feet. The aircraft has a flight duration of more than 30 hours depending on the configuration and mission profile and can reach a maximum speed of approximately 210 knots. Its long lifespan and satellite-based beyond-visual-range communications enable maritime areas to be monitored for extended periods of time.
SeaGuardian is designed to fly above the horizon via satellite in all weather conditions for more than 30 hours (depending on configuration), safely integrating into civil airspace. This allows joint armed forces and civil authorities to provide real-time situational information anywhere in the maritime domain – day and night. This highly versatile maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft can seamlessly integrate a long-range centerline maritime radar, an automatic identification system, electronic support measures and a self-contained anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission kit. In addition to integrating the most advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, SeaGuardian is the first RPAS in its class to enable real-time search and patrol above and below the ocean surface.
