Seen in its SeaGuardian maritime configuration, the MQ-9B will enter German Navy service from 2028. (Crown Copyright)
Germany has ordered the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to augment its fleet of manned Boeing P-8A Poseidon multimission maritime aircraft (MMA).
The Bundeswehr announced on 12 January that eight MQ-9B air vehicles have been ordered, with deliveries to commence in 2028. The contract value was not disclosed.
“In order for the navy to protect sea routes and critical infrastructure, it needs to know what is happening at sea. To this end, the German naval forces use aircraft, such as the P-8A maritime reconnaissance aircraft and soon the MQ-9B drones. In this way, the largest possible sea areas can be covered, for example in the North Atlantic or the Baltic Sea,” the Bundeswehr said, adding, “Manned and unmanned aircraft complement each other. While the P-8A can reach a speed of about 900 [km/h] and has a high capacity for sensors and weapons, the MQ-9B can stay in the air for a long period of time.”
As noted in the announcement, the MQ-9B will be operated by Naval Aviation Squadron 3 ‘Graf Zeppelin’ in Nordholz. “Some preparations are still needed for the first drones to be able to fly from 2028. The staff must be trained and the necessary infrastructure must be created on site,” the Bundeswehr said.
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