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General Atomics Pursues Major MQ-9B SeaGuardian Drone Sale to Saudi Arabia.
During the IDEX defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, General Atomics announced ongoing discussions with Saudi Arabia regarding the potential sale of a number of MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones. While negotiations remain in the early stages, the company has emphasized Saudi Arabia’s strong interest in these remotely piloted aircraft.
Saudi Arabia has historically sourced drones from non-Western suppliers, primarily China and Turkey (Picture source: US DoD)
According to Dave Alexander, president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the Kingdom has substantial requirements for the MQ-9B, and if finalized, the deal could create thousands of jobs in the United States. However, specific details, including the number of drones and the overall scope of the agreement, have not been disclosed. The proposal reportedly includes a large fleet and involves local industrial participation in Saudi Arabia, though the exact nature of this involvement remains unspecified.
Saudi Arabia has historically sourced drones from non-Western suppliers, primarily China and Turkey. In 2014, the Kingdom acquired CH-4 drones from China, followed by additional orders for Wing Loong II systems. More recently, in 2023, Saudi Arabia signed a defense agreement with Turkish manufacturer Baykar for Akinci combat drones, a deal described by Baykar’s CEO, Haluk Bayraktar, as the largest defense contract between the two nations.
The interest in diversifying drone suppliers reflects broader concerns in the Gulf region regarding delays and restrictions imposed by U.S. export controls on military equipment. In 2021, Qatar faced prolonged delays in its request to purchase MQ-9B drones, with no clear explanations from Washington, leading to frustration among Qatari officials. Such challenges have prompted several regional states to explore alternative suppliers to meet their defense needs.
Alexander expressed confidence that U.S. export policy could shift under a potential new Trump administration, facilitating defense agreements with Gulf allies and reducing conditions that have previously complicated procurement processes. He also expects the stalled sale of MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones to the United Arab Emirates to be reconsidered under Trump. That deal, initially approved by the U.S. in 2020, was later suspended due to concerns over the UAE’s use of Chinese technology.
General Atomics has clarified that its offer to Saudi Arabia is separate from any potential fighter jet deals with Lockheed Martin. The company aims to expand its presence in the Gulf region in 2025, considering it a pivotal year for finalizing ongoing negotiations.
U.S.-Saudi relations have fluctuated in recent years, particularly during the Biden administration, which raised concerns over human rights issues in the Kingdom. In contrast, Trump has previously maintained closer ties with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a factor that could influence future defense agreements. If completed, the MQ-9B deal would mark a strategic shift in Saudi Arabia’s drone procurement approach while strengthening General Atomics’ position in a competitive regional market.