General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and KONGSBERG Gruppen ASA (KONGSBERG) completed the system requirements review (SRR) and preliminary design review (PDR) for the integration of the joint strike missile (JSM) weapon system onto the MQ-9B.
MQ-9B is an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) manufactured by GA-ASI and includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian models. MQ-9B is a long-endurance uncrewed platform that can conduct missions over land and over water.
JSM is a fifth-generation stealth air-to-surface missile for use against high-priority targets. KONGSBERG produces the JSM.
This design and integration effort is a jointly funded project by both companies aimed at providing long-range strike capability for MQ-9B and its customers. These reviews were completed in Kongsberg, Norway, on June 30.
“We recognize the value JSM brings to our MQ-9B platform,” said Niki Johnson , GA-ASI Vice President, International Capture and Government Affairs.
“This integration effort shows how industry can effectively collaborate to integrate new capabilities and make them available quickly to our warfighters.”
“Having JSM integrated onto an uncrewed air platform – the MQ-9B – enables a highly capable strike mission set that can be employed in conjunction with or independently of piloted aircraft. This is an operational capability that we’re seeing greater interest in across the defence sector,” said Jens Gjestvang , Senior Vice President, Missiles and Aerostructures.
MQ-9B has been selected by Canada, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Qatar, Taiwan, India, and the US Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command.
Recently, GA-ASI 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.