On December 3, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) announced that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has selected the MQ-9B SeaGuardian for its Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program. While the total number of units to be acquired has not been disclosed, this selection marks a continuation of JMSDF’s engagement with the platform. The SeaGuardian has been in use by the JMSDF since May 2023 as part of its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Trial Operations Project. During this period, the UAV has been assessed across multiple mission scenarios, including evaluating its potential to take over roles traditionally performed by manned aircraft.
