General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) deployed its Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)-configured MQ-9B SeaGuardianĀ® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), Washington, for the installationās Open House event on August 23.
The event highlighted advanced naval aviation capabilities alongside heritage aircraft, with GA-ASIās MQ-9B providing military and public audiences with direct access to a Group 5 multi-mission UAS. This category represents the largest and most capable unmanned aircraft in service and reflects future capability growth for U.S. and allied naval operations.
Whidbey Island has supported MQ-9B operations during major fleet exercises such as Northern Edge and Integrated Battle Problem 2023, as well as aircraft carrier pre-deployment training. While previously operated remotely from NASWI, this marks the first time the platform has landed at the base. The aircraft will ultimately be operated from Whidbey Island during the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleetās Operational Evaluation of the SeaGuardian in the Indo-Pacific theater in 2026.
Using its advanced Detect and Avoid System, the MQ-9B flew from GA-ASIās facility near Palmdale, California, to NASWI without requiring the special handling typically associated with UAS operations. This allowed the aircraft to safely integrate into national airspace alongside piloted aircraft.
The showcased MQ-9B demonstrated autonomous takeoff and landing, onboard signals intelligence and maritime radar systems, and its ASW payloads. Configured with additional hardpoint pylons, it highlighted external carriage options for multiple payloads and weapons, expanding its mission flexibility.
President of GA-ASI, David R. Alexander commented, āIām pleased to support the Navyās continuing public engagement efforts with our MQ-9B and appreciate NAS Whidbey leadershipās ongoing support of SeaGuardian operations. I look forward to continuing to work together as we demonstrate the capability of this multi-faceted UAS and fill critical capability gaps.ā
Leading this event was Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) AIRWorks, which plays a key role in overseeing and supporting the development of the MQ-9B SeaGuardian. AIRWorks has partnered with GA-ASI in multiple ASW and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting demonstrations, including the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in July 2024. NAWCAD AIRWorks is also the Lead Systems Integrator and Program Manager for the Navy Operational Evaluation of MQ-9B in 2026.
With its proven record of providing high-end maritime capabilities at a fraction of the cost of manned assets, GA-ASI expects growing global interest in the SeaGuardian as navies seek cost-effective ways to expand reach and capacity in contested maritime environments.
