Germany has agreed to procure eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, expanding the alliance’s growing fleet of long-endurance unmanned systems.
The acquisition, announced on 12 January, covers eight aircraft and four certifiable ground control stations, with first deliveries expected in 2028. The programme is being executed by NSPA on behalf of Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support.
According to the announcement, the MQ-9B SeaGuardian was selected for its long range and endurance, all-weather capability, and ability to operate in unsegregated airspace. The platform includes pole-to-pole satellite control, de-icing for cold-weather operations, and maritime surveillance sensors, with an option to add anti-submarine warfare capability.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems said the acquisition would enhance interoperability within NATO, particularly alongside Germany’s existing P-8A maritime patrol aircraft fleet. “The proliferation of MQ-9B in Europe delivers commonality between NATO countries,” said GA-ASI chief executive Linden Blue, adding that the system would support joint operations and training.
The MQ-9B became the first large remotely piloted aircraft to receive a UK Military Type Certificate in 2025, allowing routine flight over populated areas without geographic restrictions. The certification underpins its suitability for domestic and European operations, including maritime and homeland security tasks.
NSPA said the deal was conducted under its MQ-9 Support Partnership framework, which is intended to simplify multinational procurement and sustainment of common platforms. “This Support Partnership demonstrates how NSPA enables efficient, effective and responsive multinational acquisitions,” said NSPA general manager Stacy Cummings.
Germany joins a growing group of NATO and partner nations operating or procuring the MQ-9B family, which includes the SkyGuardian, SeaGuardian, and the UK’s Protector RG Mk1, currently being delivered to the Royal Air Force.
‘Maritime Nation’ Grrr…
We could convert our existing fleet for pennies relative to this.
Has the UK has (not) ordered any of this type? Seriously hope for the UK the “DIP” to be a good un. Seems a long wait for the relay gun to go off while other nations already running ahead and getting things ordered, done. Come on 🇬🇧!
Final paragraph…
UK is in sky-guardian but has not yet selected anything from the sea guardian upgrades although this is expected in the DIP.
The longer the plan takes to be released, the more worried I am that it will involve cuts rather than expansion of capability.
The “pole-to-pole satellite control” of the RAF’s MQ-9Bs (aka Protector RG Mk1), is this configurable to using any satellites? Such as commercial (eg Anik G1) or sovereign military satellites (eg Skynet), or are they tied to specific American comms satellites?
Just checking given the USA’s current instability…
MQ9 B is listed as having open architecture satellite communications and it’s able to use three different bands X, Ka and Ku. It can also track signals from GEO, MEO and LEO.
It can certainly be controlled by SKYNET at most mid latitudes. For polar latitudes our military protocols on OneWeb should work however I dare say there may be some terminal integration issues much the same for STARLINK as both use proprietary comms terminals.
Ta’ – just checking given the imperialist antics of the Mango Mussolini in the White House.
Nice to see the OneWeb investment paying off, I remember a lot of people decrying HMG’s rescue. OneWeb has a better frequency band too, compared to Starlink.