Germany has finalized the procurement of eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and four Certifiable Ground Control Stations from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).
The acquisition was facilitated by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) on behalf of Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support. This move integrates Germany into a growing collective of NATO nations utilizing the MQ-9B platform, which is designed for exceptionally long range and endurance across multiple domains. The first delivery of the aircraft is expected to occur in 2028.
Germany joins a growing list of NATO countries that have selected GA-ASI’s advanced MQ-9B RPA for its multi-domain capabilities with exceptionally long range and endurance. The platform provides pole-to-pole satellite control and de-icing capabilities to enable missions in cold climates.
SeaGuardian features two multi-mode surface-search radars that deliver wide-area maritime surveillance, with an option to add Anti-Submarine Warfare capability. Additionally, MQ-9B’s in-house-developed Detect and Avoid System aids its ability to fly in unsegregated airspace for domestic civilian operations, making it highly versatile for operations from Germany.
In 2025, MQ-9B is thought to have become the first large RPA to obtain a Military Type Certificate from the UK’s Military Aviation Authority, certifying its safe operation without geographic restrictions, including over populous areas.
Linden Blue, GA-ASI CEO, commented, “We’re thrilled that Germany has joined the list of NATO countries that have selected MQ-9B SeaGuardian. The proliferation of MQ-9B in Europe delivers commonality between NATO countries and for Germany, it will provide opportunities for interoperability with their fleet of P-8As.”
The acquisition negotiation was executed on behalf of Germany by NSPA, which has developed a contractual framework through the MQ-9 Support Partnership (MIC SP) for supporting cooperation amongst its member nations and enabling the procurement of MQ-9B for NATO Allies and Partners. NSPA has added MQ-9B to its portfolio of defense systems to contract on behalf of NATO nations, with the goal of enhancing interoperability for joint training and operations.
Ms. Stacy A. Cummings, NSPA General Manager, stated, “This Support Partnership demonstrates how NSPA enables efficient, effective and responsive multinational acquisitions for advanced, interoperable capabilities. We are proud to support Germany in this strategic investment for maritime surveillance and security.”
MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models as well as the Protector RG Mk1 that is currently being delivered to the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF). GA-ASI also has MQ-9B procurement contracts with Belgium, Canada, Denmark, India, Japan, Poland, Taiwan and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command and is looking forward to welcoming Germany to that group. MQ-9B has also been featured in various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.
