Germany will procure eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
The acquisition, announced by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and the NSPA, also covers four Certifiable Ground Control Stations.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The first deliveries are scheduled for 2028.
The NSPA secured the purchase on Germany’s behalf, utilising the contractual framework established under the MQ-9 Support Partnership, which aims to facilitate collaboration among member countries and support procurement for NATO Allies and Partners.
NSPA has now added the MQ-9B platform to its defence systems portfolio, with a stated intention to improve interoperability in joint training and operations for NATO members.
Germany is the latest NATO country to select the MQ-9B SeaGuardian aircraft.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ CEO Linden Blue said: “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 MQ-9B SeaGuardian, developed for maritime surveillance roles, is capable of operating beyond line-of-sight via satellite communications for more than 30 hours under certain configurations.
The system can function in various weather conditions and integrate with civil airspace systems, enabling real-time situational awareness for military or civil applications in maritime environments.
Additional features include pole-to-pole satellite control, de-icing for cold-weather missions, two multi-mode surface-search radars for maritime surveillance, and an optional anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability.
An in-house Detect and Avoid System allows the aircraft to operate within unsegregated domestic airspace.
In 2025, the MQ-9B became the first large remotely piloted aircraft to receive a Military Type Certificate from the UK’s Military Aviation Authority, allowing unrestricted operation over all areas including populated regions.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems holds similar contracts with Belgium, Canada, Denmark, India, Japan, Poland, Taiwan and the US Air Force.
The MQ-9B family also includes SkyGuardian and Protector RG Mk1 models currently being delivered to the UK Royal Air Force.
The system has participated in multiple US Navy exercises such as Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC and Group Sail.
In December 2024, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force selected SeaGuardian systems for its Long Endurance Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle programme.
