Germany has agreed to purchase eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, expanding the platform’s footprint among NATO allies.Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support and NSPA announced the procurement, which includes four certifiable ground control stations. First delivery is expected in 2028.Germany joins a growing number of NATO countries selecting the MQ-9B for its long range, endurance and multi-domain capabilities. The aircraft offers pole-to-pole satellite control, de-icing for cold-weather operations and two multi-mode surface-search radars for wide-area maritime surveillance, with an option to add anti-submarine warfare capability.The MQ-9B is also equipped with an internally developed detect-and-avoid system, enabling operations in unsegregated civilian airspace and supporting domestic missions within Germany.In 2025, the MQ-9B became the first large remotely piloted aircraft to receive a military type certificate from the United Kingdom’s Military Aviation Authority, authorizing unrestricted operations, including over populated areas.“We’re thrilled that Germany has joined the list of NATO countries that have selected MQ-9B SeaGuardian,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “The growing presence of MQ-9B in Europe enhances commonality across NATO and will enable interoperability with Germany’s P-8A fleet.”The acquisition was negotiated by NSPA under its MQ-9 Support Partnership, a framework designed to facilitate multinational cooperation, procurement and sustainment of MQ-9B systems for NATO members and partners. NSPA has added MQ-9B to its defense portfolio to support interoperability for joint training and operations.“This support partnership demonstrates how NSPA enables efficient multinational acquisition of advanced, interoperable capabilities,” said Stacy A. Cummings, NSPA general manager.MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants, as well as the Protector RG Mk1 currently being delivered to the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. GA-ASI also has MQ-9B contracts with Belgium, Canada, Denmark, India, Japan, Poland, Taiwan and the U.S. Air Force in support of U.S. Special Operations Command.

2026-01-21 - Germany to Buy Eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian Aircraft Through NATO Agency (UAS Magazine)

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Germany will acquire eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft through NATO’s procurement agency, with deliveries beginning in 2028. The purchase expands NATO interoperability and strengthens Germany’s maritime surveillance and multi-domain operations capability.

Germany to Buy Eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian Aircraft Through NATO Agency

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Germany to Buy Eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian Aircraft Through NATO Agency