GA-ASI upgrades ground control stations for MQ-9B drones

June 30, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has decided to adapt its Block 30 ground control stations (GCS) to fly the company’s newer model MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft.

The Block 30 GCS was originally developed for the MQ-9A Reaper and is currently used by the US Air Force, US Marine Corps, the Italian Air Force, the French Air Force, the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, the Spanish Air Force and the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

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According to the company, once the upgrades are completed, existing Block 30 users will be able to retain their current ground control equipment while operating MQ-9B aircraft. Prospective MQ-9B customers with existing Block 30 systems would also avoid purchasing new ground control stations.

GA-ASI said the MQ-9B was developed through internal research and development and initially required a more powerful ground control station than the MQ-9A.

“We want to do all we can to deliver to most capable model of our aircraft to our customers, and that’s MQ-9B,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.

“We also know that by investing our own Internal Research & Development dollars, we can deliver MQ-9B at a lower acquisition cost by adapting the GCS for our current customers.”

The upgrade centers on enhancing the Block 30 system’s datalink capability for MQ-9B operations. Modifications include the installation of the GA Interface Multiplexor Encryptor, which manages communications and telemetry for the MQ-9B, along with software updates to support the aircraft’s additional capabilities.

Following the modifications, operators will be able to switch between MQ-9A and MQ-9B aircraft using the same ground control station.

GA-ASI said it expects to begin flight testing the upgraded Block 30 system before the end of 2026.