An MQ-9 SeaGuardian drone flies over an Independence-variant littoral combat ship. (Image source: DVIDS)
The skies over the battlefield are about to get a whole lot more crowded and a good deal less friendly for enemy forces. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and Lockheed Martin are joining forces to equip the MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone with Net-Enabled Weapons (NEW) capability, transforming it from a tireless eye in the sky into a long-range hunter.
This isn’t simply a case of strapping missiles onto a drone. The NEW system, announced by GA-ASI last Thursday, June 27, represents a sophisticated integration effort.
By seamlessly linking with SeaGuardian’s existing sensor suite, NEW technology allows the drone to gather real-time intelligence and translate it into highly accurate targeting data for long-range weapons.
This translates to quicker “kill chains” – the time it takes to identify, track, and eliminate a target – especially in environments where enemy air defenses pose a significant threat.
Saving Lives: SeaGuardian Takes the Lead
The most significant benefit of this upgrade lies in its ability to safeguard human lives.
Traditionally, long-range targeting missions have been the domain of manned fighter jets, putting pilots at considerable risk.
With its impressive endurance, the SeaGuardian drone can now shoulder this responsibility, keeping fighter crews out of harm’s way.
“This is a very important system attribute for SeaGuardian,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.
The skies over the battlefield are about to get a whole lot more crowded and a good deal less friendly for enemy forces. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and Lockheed Martin are joining forces to equip the MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone with Net-Enabled Weapons (NEW) capability, transforming it from a tireless eye in the sky into a long-range hunter.
This isn’t simply a case of strapping missiles onto a drone. The NEW system, announced by GA-ASI last Thursday, June 27, represents a sophisticated integration effort.
By seamlessly linking with SeaGuardian’s existing sensor suite, NEW technology allows the drone to gather real-time intelligence and translate it into highly accurate targeting data for long-range weapons.
This translates to quicker “kill chains” – the time it takes to identify, track, and eliminate a target – especially in environments where enemy air defenses pose a significant threat.
Saving Lives: SeaGuardian Takes the Lead
The most significant benefit of this upgrade lies in its ability to safeguard human lives.
Traditionally, long-range targeting missions have been the domain of manned fighter jets, putting pilots at considerable risk.
With its impressive endurance, the SeaGuardian drone can now shoulder this responsibility, keeping fighter crews out of harm’s way.
“This is a very important system attribute for SeaGuardian,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander.
He added that the NEW capability enables “naval long-range targeting CONOPS (Concept of Operations) against high-end threats” while minimizing risk to our irreplaceable manned pilots.
Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3: NEW System on the Move
The project is demonstrably moving forward.
Initial tests conducted in June successfully established communication between the SeaGuardian and weapons via the Link 16 data link, a crucial stepping stone towards further development and real-world deployment, instilling confidence in the system’s progress.
Before its upgrade, the MQ-9B SeaGuardian was a staple in maritime patrol missions as a medium-altitude, long-endurance drone boasts impressive intelligence-gathering capabilities.
Equipped with a wide array of sensors, it can linger over vast areas for extended periods, providing real-time data on potential threats and maintaining constant vigilance over critical maritime zones.
(Image source: DVIDS)
More Than Just Intel: SeaGuardian as a Multi-Role Powerhouse
The addition of NEW capability elevates the SeaGuardian from a valuable intel-gathering platform to a multi-role powerhouse.
This versatile drone can now seamlessly transition between intelligence gathering and precision strikes, offering the battlefield commander an unparalleled level of flexibility.
This transformation positions the SeaGuardian as a linchpin in modern warfare, a force multiplier that can gather critical intel, designate targets with pinpoint accuracy, and deliver a decisive blow – all while keeping manned aircraft out of harm’s way.
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