US MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian drones will receive Emirati-made weapons

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian multirole drones allow the US to realise options for integrating foreign weapons. In particular, Emirati-made missiles and bombs.

Here's What We Know

At Dubai Airshow 2023, the Emirati company EDGE GROUP officially announced that US MQ-9B Sky/SeaGuardian drones will be armed with its munitions. A corresponding agreement was signed with General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI), the manufacturer of the UAVs.

The UAE-based state conglomerate's ability to integrate smart weapons will offer customers a range of dynamic and cost-effective solutions for air-to-ground operations. Hamad Al-Marar, president of EDGE GROUP's missiles and weapons division, said.

It is important to note that this will be the first time GA-ASI drones have been equipped with a weapon developed by a non-NATO country. However, this is not the first use of a non-US weapon. Thus, the British version, known as Protector, will receive Brimstone missiles.

EDGE GROUP does not specify at the moment what weapons will be integrated on the MQ-9B Sky/SeaGuardian. The UAE-based company's range includes the Al-Tariq family of unguided bombs and Desert Sting planning bombs.

A few years ago, the UAE wanted to buy MQ-9B drones, but the potential deal lost steam after the US blocked the sale of 50 fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. At a trade show in Dubai, EDGE GROUP said the country was working with the Pentagon and GA-ASI to purchase the UAVs.

Source: GA-ASI