General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to supply Taiwan with MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $217,615,343 undefinitized contract action for Taiwan MQ-9B SkyGuardian procurement. This contract provides for four MQ-9B unmanned air vehicles, two Certifiable Ground Control Stations, spares and support equipment.

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The SkyGuardian is the latest variant of the MQ-9 series of UAVs and is an upgrade to the MQ-9 Reaper, with enhanced capabilities and extended endurance  (Picture source: GA-ASI)

Work will be performed in Poway, and is expected to be completed May 5, 2025. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to Taiwan and is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $107,426,104 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. It is designed to operate in both civil and military environments, providing a versatile platform for various mission sets.

The SkyGuardian is the latest variant of the MQ-9 series of UAVs and is an upgrade to the MQ-9 Reaper, with enhanced capabilities and extended endurance. It has a wingspan of 79 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds, allowing it to carry a wide range of payloads.

One of the primary features of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian is its advanced sensor suite, which includes an Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) camera, a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and a Multi-Mode Maritime Surveillance Radar (MMR). These sensors enable the SkyGuardian to provide real-time situational awareness to operators, making it an invaluable tool for surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence-gathering missions.

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian can fly for up to 40 hours at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet, providing operators with a persistent presence over a large area. Its long-endurance capability makes it ideal for maritime patrol, border surveillance, and search and rescue operations, as well as for monitoring natural disasters and providing support during humanitarian crises.

Moreover, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian is designed to operate in a variety of weather conditions and has advanced safety features, such as sense and avoidance technology and redundant flight controls. These safety features make it a reliable and safe platform for both civilian and military applications.