General Atomics to Equip MQ-9B Drones With Sonobuoys for Submarine Detection

Ultra Maritime and General Atomics join forces to create an unmanned anti-submarine system.

The initiative, reported by Naval News, is funded entirely through internal research and development by the two companies.

The system will integrate GA-ASI’s long-endurance MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAV with Ultra Maritime’s miniaturized, energy-efficient multistatic active (MSA) sonobuoys and compact acoustic receivers.

The goal is to create an autonomous, low-cost ASW capability suitable for operations in GPS-denied environments or under electronic warfare conditions.

Initial demonstrations are scheduled for 2025 in the Indo-Pacific and other strategically significant regions.

The MQ-9B, already in service for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, will benefit from integrating miniaturized sonobuoys and receivers.

The smaller size of the receivers — half that of standard units — will allow more sensors to be deployed per mission, enhancing detection coverage.

Interest in SeaGuardian drones has been growing in the Indo-Pacific, where maritime nations are seeking cost-effective surveillance and defense solutions.

The expanded ASW capability is expected to increase demand, particularly in regions requiring wide-area maritime domain awareness.

Militarnyi previously reported that General Atomics is also developing a laser weapon module for the MQ-9B.

Mounted under the wing, the rotating laser system is designed for drone defense and includes an air-cooled intake system.