MQ-9B drone – Page 2 – The Defense Post

May- 2025 -

21 May

Air

The Station Commander from RAF Lossiemouth, Group Captain Layden, has a flight with 120 Sqn onboard the RAF’s new submarine-hunting Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). The Crew, with Wing Commander Hanson are training continuously to begin Operations. The Station Commander, as part of the assessment of how things are progressing observes the Sqn as the carry out a training exercise over the North Sea. The aircraft is part of a new £3 billion programme, including the purchase of nine state-of-the-art Poseidon jets, which will improve the UK’s ability to track hostile targets below and above the waves. Poseidon aircraft will protect the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent and be central to NATO missions across the North Atlantic, co-operating closely with the US and Norwegian Poseidon fleets. The UK’s purchase of the Poseidon is in response to increased threats such as Russian submarine activity in the Atlantic returning to Cold War levels, while China is also investing heavily in new Arctic facilities, infrastructure and ice-capable ships.

UK Announces $400M Flight Training Upgrades for Navy, Air Force

The UK Ministry of Defence has invested $402.4 million to strengthen the flight skills of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force in modern warfare.

Apr- 2025 -

18 April

Air

Giulia Bernacchi

General Atomics Invests in Dutch Firms to Boost Future Aerospace Systems

General Atomics will invest in Dutch companies Emergent Swarm Solutions and Saluqi Motors to support the development of future systems.

17 April

Air

Rendering of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian engaging drones with the an airborne laser pod

Inder Singh Bisht

General Atomics Displays MQ-9B Armed With Laser Weapon

General Atomics recently displayed an MQ-9B unmanned aerial system with a 25-kilowatt scalable laser weapon system at Sea-Air-Space 2025.

Mar- 2025 -

27 March

Americas

Staff Writer With AFP

US Approves $1.96B Drone Sale to Qatar

The United States on Wednesday approved a $1.96 billion sale of eight MQ-9B drones and related equipment to Qatar, one of Washington's closest allies in the Middle East.

Feb- 2025 -

25 February

Air

A gray General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian is seen flying above the clouds. On the far right side of the background, a mountain range is seen peeking out. The scenery is tinged in the setting sun's orange hues.

Giulia Bernacchi

General Atomics, CAE Partner to Develop SkyGuardian Training System

General Atomics and CAE have partnered to develop the next-generation mission trainer for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone.

24 February

Americas

Christine Casimiro

Huge Potential for Saudi Arabia to Buy MQ-9B Drones: General Atomics Exec

Saudi Arabia has reportedly expressed interest in purchasing General Atomics’ MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

14 February

Air

Protector on flight test before being fully operation to fly at RAF Waddington.

Giulia Bernacchi

Royal Air Force Flight-Tests MQ-9B Protector Drone

The British Royal Air Force has flight-tested its MQ-9B Protector drone remotely piloting the aircraft at Waddington base.

Jan- 2025 -

17 January

Air

Production of Canadian MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) in San Diego, California

Rojoef Manuel

Canadian SkyGuardian Drones Begin Assembly in California

Canada has announced the start of production for its MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones in San Diego, California.

Oct- 2024 -

11 October

Arms

Akula-Class nuclear attack submarine INS Chakra

Inder Singh Bisht

India Approves Building Nuclear Attack Subs, Buying MQ-9B Drones

The Indian government has approved the construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines and the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones from the US.

Aug- 2024 -

14 August

Air

Joe Saballa

Canada to Face Icy Challenges Operating Reaper Drones in Arctic: Report

The Canadian military will be confronted with significant challenges when it begins operating its upcoming MQ-9B Reaper drones in the Arctic.

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