On December 3, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) confirmed that Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has selected the MQ-9B SeaGuardian for its Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program. Although the exact number of units has not been disclosed, the decision follows JMSDF’s operational testing of the SeaGuardian since May 2023 as part of its MALE (Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance) Remotely Piloted Aircraft project. The UAV has undergone various trials, including assessments of its capability to take over missions traditionally flown by manned aircraft.
