November 19, 2025 (Global) – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Saab are planning a full flight demonstration of an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system on the MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in 2026, marking a significant step in unmanned surveillance capabilities. The demonstration is scheduled for the summer of 2026 at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon flight operations facility in Southern California.
“Adding AEW&C to the MQ-9B brings a critical new capability to our platform. We want to deliver a persistent AEW&C solution to our global operators that will protect them against sophisticated cruise missiles as well as simple but dangerous drone swarms,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.
The AEW&C system, supplied by Saab, is intended to enable persistent air surveillance and provide a solution where traditional AEW platforms are unavailable or unaffordable, such as for naval aircraft carriers. The MQ-9B, noted for its long endurance and range, will integrate Saab’s advanced sensors to detect and track various threats, including drones, missiles, and manned aircraft.
GA-ASI and Saab emphasized that this collaboration aims to enhance situational awareness and operational safety for unmanned systems while ensuring that aircrews are not put at risk. The MQ-9B variants involved include SkyGuardian®, SeaGuardian®, the UK’s Protector, and the developing MQ-9B STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) model.
Key Highlights
- GA-ASI & Saab to demonstrate AEW&C on MQ-9B in 2026
- Summer demonstration at Desert Horizon facility, Southern California
- MQ-9B to integrate Saab AEW sensors for persistent air surveillance
- Designed to detect drones, missiles, and manned aircraft threats
- Enhances unmanned operational safety and situational awareness
Industry analysts note that this demonstration could advance unmanned AEW&C capabilities, providing a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional manned systems.
