General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Navy continue to expand the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability of the MQ-9B SeaGuardian Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
A flight test conducted December 17 featured an increased number of Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) pods, doubling the number of sonobuoys carried compared to previous tests.
“Expanding sonobuoy capacity, including Multi-static Active Coherent (MAC) technology for SeaGuardian, is a key part of our advanced ASW strategy to broaden and enhance search areas,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The wider maritime coverage provided by the MQ-9B’s ASW capability is extremely valuable to our customers.”
Sonobuoys are deployable naval sensors that detect submarines by monitoring underwater acoustics. During the test, SeaGuardian deployed AN/SSQ-36 bathythermograph buoys, AN/SSQ-53G Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (DIFAR) passive buoys, and AN/SSQ-62F Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS) active buoys. This marked the first deployment of MAC sonobuoys from an uncrewed aircraft. MAC technology enables more effective wide-area submarine detection while requiring fewer buoys than traditional DIFAR and DICASS configurations.
Sponsored by the U.S. Navy, the flight tests focused on certifying the SDS and supporting Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Operational Evaluation deployment to SEVENTH Fleet. The effort also received support and government oversight from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) AIRWorks.
Following completion of testing and data review, the U.S. Navy is expected to grant GA-ASI deployment flight clearance for MQ-9B SeaGuardian ASW operations in January 2026.
SeaGuardian has also been used by the U.S. Navy in various recent exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.
Source: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.