Contributor - UK

David Donald

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has completed the weapons testing for the RAF’s Protector RG.Mk 1 remotely piloted aircraft, which is based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian. This marks the first time that GA-ASI has conducted qualification testing for a customer. The final test was conducted on June 18, and the Protector is now fully cleared for employing the Paveway IV laser-guided bomb and MBDA Brimstone 3 air-to-surface missile.
Meanwhile, at the Farnborough Airshow, GA-ASI and MBDA signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate the MBDA Spear—similar to the Brimstone—onto the MQ-9B. It will also be integrated onto the Gambit 6, GA-ASI’s collaborative combat aircraft design.
Another weapon in line for the SkyGuardian is Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile (JSM), a large and stealthy long-range strike weapon that was initially developed for internal carriage by the Lockheed Martin F-35. The system requirements review and preliminary design review for the integration have recently been completed.

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

General Atomics Adds More Weapons to MQ-9B SkyGuardian

Paveway IV, Brimstone, Spear, and JSM are being added to the MQ-9B’s arsenal

General Atomics has cleared Brimstone and Paveway IV for the RAF’s Protectors and is adding Spear and JSM to the similar MQ-9B’s weapons repertoire.

General Atomics Adds More Weapons to SkyGuardian

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

MQ-9B-mounted radar could complement piloted GlobalEye assets

Saab Fields Interest In LoyalEye Surveillance System

Hanneke Weitering

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Hybrid-electric Chaparral drone makes first uncrewed eIPP flights

Elroy Air, Bristow Fly Autonomous Freighter in Louisiana

At air force show, the company displayed mock-up of autonomous collaborative platform 

Saab Details Plans For Future Fighter Tech Demonstrators

Charles Alcock

The company assembled the first example in around nine months 

GKN Unveils Swedish Military UAV Technology Demonstrator

Operational trials were held in Michigan during July 

Regent Demonstrates Seaglider Drone in U.S. Navy Exercise

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Farnborough Airshow 2026

More In Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Saab Fields Interest In LoyalEye Surveillance System

MQ-9B-mounted radar could complement piloted GlobalEye assets

Elroy Air, Bristow Fly Autonomous Freighter in Louisiana

Hybrid-electric Chaparral drone makes first uncrewed eIPP flights

Saab Details Plans For Future Fighter Tech Demonstrators

At air force show, the company displayed mock-up of autonomous collaborative platform

GKN Unveils Swedish Military UAV Technology Demonstrator

The company assembled the first example in around nine months

Regent Demonstrates Seaglider Drone in U.S. Navy Exercise

Operational trials were held in Michigan during July

Elroy Air Wins $46 Million Army Contract for Chaparral

Contract covers jam-resistant navigation and hardened communications links

Robinson Unmanned Advances Through U.S. Drone Program

Sovereign manufacturing expertise essential to Pentagon initiative

U.S. Air Force Extends Collaborative Combat Aircraft Trials

Anduril’s semi-autonomous YFQ-44A Fury evaluated in Nevada sorties

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN