General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is adapting its MQ-9B drones to strike from greater distances, preparing them for extended air and naval operations.
The company is reportedly eyeing Lockheed Martin’s Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) as potential payloads for both its SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants.
JASSM can cruise over 370 kilometers (230 miles), while the LRASM is also estimated to be within the same range.
GA-ASI is also exploring integration of Raytheon’s Joint Strike Missile, capable of reaching 350 kilometers (217 miles).
Internal preliminary research indicates the MQ-9B can carry these weapons over extended distances without sacrificing endurance or stability.
The base SkyGuardian drone is capable of carrying 4,750 pounds (2,155 kilograms) of payload, and GA-ASI said “it only makes sense to add to our mission sets the ability to carry long-range weapons.”
Engineers and partners are refining the technical integration, with at least one missile-equipped MQ-9B flight planned for later this year.
“We want to continue to build value in the aircraft by expanding into more missions,” GA-ASI President David R. Alexander said.
Hypothetical Mission Picture
GA-ASI outlined how a missile-equipped MQ-9B fleet could operate, offering a glimpse of potential deployments.
Drones could launch from allied bases across the Western or Southern Pacific, loitering outside enemy engagement zones to avoid detection.
At command, the MQ-9Bs could fire missiles in coordinated strikes, working alongside US and allied forces.
“MQ-9B continues to impress in the field and we keep adding to our global customer list,” Alexander noted.
