MQ-9B Sea Guardian for Germany: BAAINBw and NSPA procure eight systems from General Atomics

Eight MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems are to expand Germany's unmanned capabilities. The procurement was announced jointly by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw; the Bundeswehr being Germany's armed forces) and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The package also includes four certifiable ground control stations; first delivery is scheduled for 2028.

Germany thus joins a growing group of NATO states operating the MQ-9B. According to General Atomics, the deciding factors were "the multi-domain capabilities, the exceptional range and endurance, and the suitability for operations in cold climates".

What the MQ-9B Sea Guardian offers

The Sea Guardian's equipment includes pole-to-pole satellite control, de-icing capability and two multimode maritime surveillance radars that allow wide-area maritime reconnaissance. Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities can be added as an option. There is also an in-house development by General Atomics: the Detect and Avoid system allows flights in non-segregated airspace. According to a recent press release, this is "a decisive factor for operations from German territory".

In 2025, the MQ-9B became the first large RPA to be granted a Military Type Certificate by the UK Military Aviation Authority (MAA). This certifies that the system can be operated safely and without geographical restrictions – including over densely populated areas.

We are very pleased that Germany has chosen the MQ-9B Sea Guardian. The increasing spread of the system in Europe strengthens commonality within NATO. Germany will also gain considerable interoperability benefits, for example in conjunction with the P-8A fleet (-> First P-8A of the German Navy flown in).— Linden Blue, CEO of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Procurement via the NSPA

The NSPA conducted the contract negotiations on Germany's behalf. They were based on the MQ-9 Support Partnership (MIC SP): it enables cooperative procurement and operation within the Alliance and is intended to strengthen interoperability and promote joint training and networked operations. Consequently, the NSPA added the MQ-9B to its portfolio.

This Support Partnership shows how the NSPA enables efficient, effective and responsive multinational procurement for modern, interoperable capabilities. We are proud to support Germany in this strategic investment in maritime surveillance and security.— Stacy A. Cummings, General Manager of the NSPA

The MQ-9B family comprises the Sky Guardian, the Sea Guardian and the Protector RG Mk1, which the Royal Air Force is currently receiving. There are also procurement contracts with, for example, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, India, Japan, Poland, Taiwan and the US Air Force – the latter uses the system for Special Operations, among other things. The MQ-9B has also taken part in numerous major US Navy exercises, such as "Northern Edge", "Integrated Battle Problem", "RIMPAC" and "Group Sail".