The US Air Force's MQ‑9B Sky Guardian is the next generation of remotely-piloted aircraft, with a cutting‑edge platform that delivers precision, endurance, surveillance and flexibility to meet evolving threats around the globe.

The Sky Guardian provides strategic awareness and calibrated response that elevates mission support, combining persistent surveillance with multi-domain targeting precision.

Its advanced surveillance toolbox includes two satellite communication links to stay connected over long distances, as well as the Lynx multi-mode radar system and advanced cameras with EO/IR optics.

These tools help operators see what’s happening in real time and make assessments of dynamic scenarios, enabling them to support missions, stop threats at sea, protect convoys and track enemy movements.

Advanced sensors facilitate continuous tracking and geolocation of moving targets, while the aircraft's integration into US Central Command's command networks ensures threats are monitored and addressed.

Flying at altitudes between 40,000 and 43,000 feet, the MQ-9B operates well above most commercial traffic and potential threats, offering a wide field of view and greater survivability.

With a range exceeding 6,000 nautical miles and speeds of approximately 210 knots (309km/hour), it can cover vast distances without refueling, making it ideal for extended missions across remote or contested regions.

Designed for staying power, it can remain airborne for over 40 hours, enabling commanders to maintain persistent coverage over operational areas without frequent redeployment.

It also carries a formidable payload: up to 4,750 pounds externally and an additional 800 pounds internally.

Advanced sensors and weapons

The MQ‑9B carries the Lynx multi‑mode radar and high-definition EO/IR sensors, which enable persistent surveillance, synthetic aperture imaging and real-time target tracking, day or night, in all weather conditions.

Sky Guardian is combat-ready with multiple precision weapons, and supports AGM‑114 Hellfire missiles, GBU‑12 and GBU‑49 laser-guided bombs and GBU‑38 JDAMs, providing tailored options for kinetic engagement.

With nine hard points, it can deploy combinations of missiles, bombs and external fuel tanks depending on mission demands.

The MQ-9B is set for upgrades that will give it an airborne early warning role, with a new AEW/C system set to begin testing in 2026. This will help it spot threats from far away, track multiple targets and work closely with other units.

The craft uses two satellite links and a line-of-sight radio system to stay connected. It sustains high-bandwidth video, sensor feeds and weapon relays, enabling it to send video, sensor data and weapon commands from far away.

Beyond combat missions, MQ‑9B supports humanitarian operations such as search and rescue, disaster relief and maritime safety. Certified to NATO civil-airspace standards, it can safely operate in mixed civilian environments.