Poland joins General Atomics’ list of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone operators
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced Dec. 16 the sale of three MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems to the Polish Ministry of Defense.
The MQ-9B is the newest model of RPA produced by GA-ASI, and will serve as a critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform for Poland. The sale to Poland also includes two certifiable ground control stations (CGCS) and three years of global logistics support.
The MQ-9B offers exceptionally long range and autonomy, with automatic takeoff and landing under exclusive SATCOM control, and will be able to operate in non-segregated airspace using the Detect and Avoid system developed by GA-AS, which allows evasive maneuvers to prevent identified collision threats.
“The purchase of MQ-9B SkyGuardian will deliver persistent multi-domain situational awareness, which is vital to Poland,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “SkyGuardian is a critical security tool and GA-ASI is proud to continue to build on its strong partnership with Poland.”
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Polish Minister of Defense, commented on his social networks that:
“The MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones are another important step in the modernization of the Polish Army. These advanced systems will increase, among others: our reconnaissance and strike capabilities. SkyGuardian is another element of deterrence and defense, as well as building a modern army, ready to meet the challenges of the modern battlefield.”
Drony MQ-9B SkyGuardian to kolejny istotny krok w modernizacji Wojska Polskiego. Te zaawansowane systemy zwiększą m. in. nasze zdolności rozpoznawczo – uderzeniowe. SkyGuardian to kolejny element odstraszania i obrony oraz budowy nowoczesnej armii, gotowej sprostać wyzwaniom… pic.twitter.com/doDoovrSmt
— Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (@KosiniakKamysz) December 12, 2024
Poland already has experience in operating GA-ASI products, as since 2022, it began operating the MQ-9A Reaper system as part of a lease agreement with the U.S. company. The success of those missions opened the door to the purchase of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian.
See also: India and U.S. seal deal for purchase of 31 MQ-9B Sky/Sea Guardian drones
The first customer deliveries of the MQ-9B began in 2022 with the UK Royal Air Force, marking the beginning of a successful commercial expansion that has positioned this aircraft as a leader in its market segment. Since then, contracts have been secured with Belgium, Canada, the Japan Coast Guard, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India and the U.S. Air Force in support of Special Operations Command. In addition, the MQ-9B has demonstrated its operational versatility by participating in prominent U.S. Navy exercises this year, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem and Group Sail.
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