The US Navy has evaluated General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ (GA-ASI) MQ-9B SeaGuardian at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Commander’s Operational Group at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Washington.
SeaGuardian is the maritime variant of the MQ-9B uncrewed aircraft system (UAS), which the US Navy operates under a company-owned, company-operated (COCO) contract with GA-ASI as part of an ongoing capability assessment for the 7th Fleet.
The officials reviewed naval aviation capabilities and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operational tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) currently employed throughout the fleet.
At the request of the Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, GA-ASI provided its MQ-9B SeaGuardian to give attendees an up-close look at a maritime-optimized Group 5 remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) currently being employed by the US Navy and several foreign partners.
SeaGuardian was also part of the 2025 Whidbey Island Open House.
“We’re always thrilled to have our Navy customer showcase our SeaGuardian at these Navy Tactical Symposiums,” said GA-ASI Vice President of DoD Strategic Development Patrick Shortsleeve.
“Whidbey Island is a great place to display SeaGuardian alongside the P-8A Poseidon for MPRF professionals to help illustrate that this future focused capability is here now and ready for employment.”
The U.S. Navy has been evaluating the MQ-9B SeaGuardian as a potential MPRF “force multiplier” for a multitude of missions.
Whidbey Island has been a base for MQ-9B SeaGuardian’s mission capabilities as part of various Navy exercises, including Northern Edge and Integrated Battle Problem, and has supported the aircraft carrier pre-deployment workups.
Earlier on, GA-ASI revealed that it is developing the addition of long-range standoff weapons to its MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian.
Demand continues from naval and air warfighters for platforms that can hold targets at risk from great ranges, especially over the expanses of air and water in the Western Pacific. That’s why GA-ASI engineers have begun the work of adapting MQ-9B’s payload, stability, range, and other features to accommodate the new generation of extended-range precision weapons.