Company / Aerial Drones
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
US manufacturer of the Predator, Reaper, Gray Eagle and Mojave remotely piloted aircraft.
Poway (San Diego), United StatesAerial Drones systems
About the company
About General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is an affiliate of General Atomics, established as a separate business in 1992 and headquartered in Poway near San Diego, California. It employs more than 9,000 people at sites in California, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota and elsewhere.
GA-ASI designs and builds remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and their ground control and sensor systems. The MQ-1 Predator, first ordered in 1994, was followed by the MQ-9 Reaper, the US Army's MQ-1C Gray Eagle, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian for civil-airspace operations, the jet-powered Avenger and, since 2021, the short-take-off Mojave.
The company also develops collaborative combat aircraft prototypes for the US Air Force and supplies radar and electro-optical mission systems. Its aircraft are operated by the United States and a growing number of NATO and partner nations.
In the news17 stories
Early warning radar on the MQ-9B: Saab and General Atomics flight-test LoyalEye
Over Southern California, Saab’s LoyalEye early warning radar on board an MQ-9B detected, tracked and classified air targets. For Saab and GA-ASI, the flight test marks a further step towards unmanned early warning systems.
MALE drones become multi-mission platforms: new capabilities for General Atomics' MQ-9B
From pure reconnaissance asset to multi-mission platform: at “DroneVation & Defence 2026”, General Atomics Europe showed how MALE drones are changing. Tests with a Saab radar and 70-millimetre rockets are under way on the MQ-9B.
MQ-9B with Loyal Eye: Saab and General Atomics fly unmanned early warning solution for the first time
First flight in Southern California: Saab's Loyal Eye radar sensor has taken off on an MQ-9B. A test campaign lasting several months now follows, which is to culminate in a comprehensive capability demonstration later in the year.
MQ-9B SkyGuardian for Austria: what the GA-ASI drone is meant to offer the Austrian Armed Forces
Austria faces a turning point in defence procurement. GA-ASI is positioning the MQ-9B SkyGuardian as the answer: with reconnaissance, precision strike, certification for civil airspace and de-icing for operations in the mountains.
Drone trade fair in Vienna: “DroneVation & Defence” returns for its second edition on 21 May
After 49 exhibitors and around 700 trade visitors at the premiere, organiser Militär Aktuell expects more exhibitors and almost twice as many sponsors for the second “DroneVation & Defence” drone trade fair. The programme expands to two stages.
MQ-9B Sea Guardian for Germany: BAAINBw and NSPA procure eight systems from General Atomics
Eight aircraft, four ground control stations, first delivery in 2028: Germany is relying on the MQ-9B Sea Guardian for maritime surveillance. The NATO agency NSPA negotiated the deal via the MQ-9 Support Partnership.
Gambit combat drone for Europe: General Atomics presents CCA concept in Oberpfaffenhofen
A flight-proven GA-ASI platform combined with a European mission system: in Oberpfaffenhofen, GA-Europe and GA-ASI showed German industry representatives what a European version of the Gambit combat drone could look like. Workshops and talks are to follow.
MQ-9B Sky Guardian: Belgian Armed Forces commission General Atomics drones at Florennes
Ceremony at Florennes Air Base: with the commissioning of the MQ-9B Sky Guardian, the new infrastructure for drone operations there also goes live – control stations, maintenance, training and command and control in one place.
Military drones for the Arctic: Denmark procures four MQ-9B Sky Guardian from General Atomics
Four long-range military drones are coming to Denmark via the NATO agency NSPA. They are to operate in the Arctic, the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea – but extensive airspace certification comes first, with delivery in 2028 and 2029.
Military drones for early warning: Saab and General Atomics develop unmanned AWACS based on MQ-9B
Saab is adding an unmanned variant to its manned early warning systems such as Global Eye: together with General Atomics, a UAEW solution based on the MQ-9B is being developed – an application of military drones for persistent situational awareness.
Military drone Pele: General Atomics brings launched effect for the MQ-9B Sky Guardian to Paris
A small military drone that launches from the MQ-9B or from the ground and flies ahead where it is too dangerous for the carrier aircraft: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is showing Pele for export customers at the Paris Air Show.
MQ-9B as unmanned early warning platform: Saab and General Atomics work on joint UAEW solution
Swedish radar technology on an American drone: Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems want to develop the MQ-9B into an unmanned airborne early warning platform. A first flight of an AEW version is planned from 2026.
Counter-UAS for the US Marine Corps: Anduril wins contract worth around 600 million euros
Ten years, bases worldwide, nine unsuccessful competitors: Anduril Industries will supply counter-UAS to the US Marine Corps. Which system will be used is officially open – much points to the Roadrunner-M.
Reconnaissance drones for Poland: Warsaw buys three MQ-9B SkyGuardian from General Atomics
After leasing MQ-9A Reapers since 2022, Poland is now turning to reconnaissance drones of its own: three MQ-9B SkyGuardian and two ground control stations go to the Ministry of National Defence. The country joins a growing list of customers.
MQ-9B for Canada: first two drones in production at General Atomics in San Diego
Canada ordered eleven MQ-9B long-range drones together with ground control stations in December 2023. According to the procurement agency, the project is progressing quickly: tests are scheduled for 2026, and delivery of the first systems is expected in 2028.
Sea Guardian for the Japan Coast Guard: JCG orders two more systems from General Atomics
The Japan Coast Guard has operated a Sea Guardian under an operating contract since April 2022. Now the JCG is buying two systems of its own from GA-ASI, with delivery planned as early as next year.
MQ-9B SkyGuardian flies for the first time with PT6 E engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada
A 44-minute first flight is said to have proven the suitability of the new powerplant: General Atomics has tested the MQ-9B with a PT6 E turboprop that promises one third more power. The SeaGuardian is also set to receive the engine.