SeaGuardian traverses the North Sea
MQ-9B pictured in the UK in 2018. (Photo: General Atomics)
Two days of flights between the UK and the Netherlands were part of a broader capability demonstration programme.
An MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAV owned by General Atomics flew from RAF Waddington in the UK to Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands on 2 September, as part of a capability demonstration programme in the two countries.
Two days of flights between the two countries showed seamless movement ‘between military and civilian airspaces’, General Atomics announced, adding that the demonstration ‘ displayed SeaGuardian's maritime surveillance capabilities in support of international allies’.
The aircraft (a maritime version of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian) subsequently returned to Waddington before it participates in the UK-led Joint Warrior exercise scheduled for 26 September to 8 October.
The series of maritime demonstrations began in August (slightly later than originally planned) and they will finish in September. The aim is to showcase the ISR, sense-and-avoid and endurance capabilities of the SeaGuardian for NATO allies.
The RNLAF has ordered four MQ-9A Block 5 aircraft, the first of which is expected to be delivered to 306 Squadron at Leeuwarden later this year.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon]()
EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
-
![Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets]()
Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets
The Romanian government has formalised a deal to purchase 32 F-35A aircraft from the US. The jets will not be expected to be operational in Romania until 2030.
-
![UK, Japan and Italy discuss potential to bring other countries into GCAP programme]()
UK, Japan and Italy discuss potential to bring other countries into GCAP programme
At the G20 summit in Brazil, the three countries reaffirmed their commitment to the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with a nod given to potentially widening the participation out to other countries.
-
![US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets]()
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.
-
![Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped]()
Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped
BAE Systems Air business has reaffirmed its commitment to the Typhoon programme as union representatives from the company urge the UK government to order 24 Typhoon jets.
