MQ-9B Drone Gets Airborne Early Warning Capability

MQ-9B drone gets airborne early warning capability

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has completed the first flight of an MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft fitted with airborne early warning pods, in a development that could bring persistent air surveillance capability to uncrewed platforms for the first time, the company stated. The validation flight took place on 19 May from GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon facility in Southern California using a company-owned aircraft. The flight is described as the …

Saab and GA-ASI complete first uncrewed Airborne Early Warning flight

Saab and GA-ASI have completed the first flight of what they describe as the world’s first uncrewed Airborne Early Warning (AEW) capability.

Saab and GA-ASI Complete First Flight of Unmanned Airborne Early Warning System on MQ-9B

Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have successfully completed the first flight of the world’s first unmanned Airborne Early Warning (AEW) solution, marking a significant advancement in next-generation airborne surveillance technology. The flight took place on 19 May at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon facility in Southern California, where Saab’s LoyalEye airborne early warning radar sensor was integrated onto the MQ-9B unmanne…

MQ-9B drone flies for first time with Saab airborne early warning radar

The Swedish company and GA-ASI plan to demonstrate a fully operational unmanned AEW configuration later this year

GA-ASI Completes First Flight of MQ-9B With AEW Pods

New Development Effort Will Enable Airborne Early Warning Capability for MQ-9B SAN DIEGO – 21 May 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) flew its MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft for the first time with Airborne Early Warning (AEW) pods. The much-anticipated AEW capability is being provided through a partnership with Saab. Once the AEW […]