General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian

General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian

Type: uav

Domain: air

Country of Origin: United States

Manufacturer: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

First Deployed: 2026

Overview

American armed medium-altitude long-endurance UAV procured by Canada for Arctic surveillance and maritime patrol. Canada is procuring MQ-9B SkyGuardian (export variant with de-icing and enhanced endurance) for persistent Arctic monitoring. Features 40+ hour endurance, maritime radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, satellite communications, weapons capability including Hellfire missiles. Addresses Canadian Arctic sovereignty concerns with persistent surveillance capability unavailable from manned aircraft. Monitors shipping, resource extraction, potential military activities. Complements P-8A Poseidon providing lower-cost persistent coverage. Deliveries expected late 2020s. Represents Canadian unmanned systems adoption for challenging Arctic environment.

Technical Specifications

roleArctic surveillance, ISR, armed overwatch
typeMedium-Altitude Long-Endurance Armed UAV
sensorsLynx SAR/GMTI radar, EO/IR turret, SIGINT pod
armamentGBU-38 JDAM, Hellfire, GBU-12
endurance40+ hours

Operators

Related air Weapon Systems