General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

Marine Corps Achieves Flight Milestone with MQ-9A UAS

The US Marine Corps (USMC) 20,000 flight hours with the MQ-9A represent an impressive accomplishment in the field of unmanned aviation By Joe Macey / 26 Jul 2023
USMC 20,000 flight hours with MUX MALE MQ-9A
Follow UST

The US Marine Corps (USMC) has surpassed 20,000 flight hours with its Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) medium-altitude, high-endurance MQ-9A Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).

To date, GA-ASI has delivered eight MQ-9A UAS to the USMC. Two of these MQ-9A aircraft are actively engaged in operational missions, playing a vital role in supporting mission-critical Marine Corps objectives. The USMC is awaiting delivery of 12 additional aircraft, which will fulfill their goal of three squadrons by 2025.

According to GA-ASI, the 20,000 flight hours represent an impressive accomplishment in the field of unmanned aviation. The company intends to continue its collaboration with the USMC to further advance the capabilities of unmanned systems and support their growing UAS squadrons.

“This strategic acquisition of MQ-9As underscores the USMC’s commitment to strengthening their aerial surveillance capabilities and demonstrates their confidence in GA-ASI’s expertise in delivering top-tier UAS,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.

Renowned for its fault-tolerant flight control system and triple-redundant avionics system architecture, the MQ-9A UAS is said to embody the industry’s highest standards of reliability and performance, surpassing those of many manned aircraft.

The USMC fleet will ultimately be entirely composed of the MQ-9A Extended Range (ER) configuration, enhanced with wing-borne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear. 

This model has been specifically designed to extend its endurance to more than 30 hours, enabling persistent long-endurance surveillance capabilities. Equipped with Full-Motion Video and both a Synthetic Aperture Radar and a Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Mode Radar, this advanced system provides the USMC with a comprehensive real-time situational awareness picture.

Find suppliers and manufacturers of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) >>

To learn more, visit the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc Partner Hub: Innovation Partner Hub
Posted by Joe Macey Connect & Contact

More from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

GA-ASI Partnership to Advance UAS Data Management with New Software Platform

GA-ASI is partnering with Nominal Inc. to enhance data management and analysis for UAS through the integration of advanced enterprise software

Jul 04, 2025
GA-ASI Backs Dutch Innovator Advancing Ceramic Composite Technology

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has invested in Dutch company Arceon following the 2024 Blue Magic Netherlands event to support advanced ceramic composite technologies

Jun 30, 2025
New GA-ASI Collaboration Enhances AEW Capability on MQ-9B Platform

General Atomics and Saab are collaborating to equip the MQ-9B unmanned aircraft with advanced AEW&C capabilities, expanding cost-effective aerial surveillance options

Jun 19, 2025
Autonomous GA-ASI Jet Executes Successful Simulated Shoot-Down

GA-ASI demonstrated autonomous combat capabilities and software integration using multiple aircraft and standardized government reference architectures

Jun 19, 2025
Small Propeller-Driven UAS Launched Effect for Uncrewed Operations

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has unveiled the PELE, a versatile, semi-autonomous uncrewed launched effect with 7 hour endurance, optimized for use on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®, that can also be launched from the ground

Jun 18, 2025
GA-ASI Spotlights Advanced Uncrewed Systems at Paris 2025

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is internationally showcasing a full-scale model of the company’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) at the Paris Air Show 2025 at Stand B-176, Hall 3

Jun 16, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.