General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Lockheed Martin are working together to provide the Net-Enabled Weapons (NEW) capability for GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SeaGuardian Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). This enhancement aims to strengthen the Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) capabilities of the aircraft.
The NEW technology expands the capabilities of sensor targeting for precise engagement with long-range weapons. SeaGuardian’s enduring presence and advanced array of precision targeting sensors enhance the efficiency of kill chains, particularly in challenging operational environments.
Leveraging Lockheed Martin’s extensive expertise in NEW, alongside GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SeaGuardian. UAS and Raytheon’s SeaVue multi-role radar, aims to refine targeting capabilities for upcoming theater deployments.
Initial testing was conducted on June 5, involving F/A-18s at the U.S. Navy’s W-289 test range in Southern California.
GA-ASI Head David R. Alexander said that “this is a very important system attribute for SeaGuardian to enable naval long-range targeting CONOPS against high-end threats at much less risk to manned platforms.”
“We appreciate Lockheed Martin’s support in helping us prove out the NEW technology, which is an important component of our ISR&T capability,” Alexander said.
GA-ASI and Lockheed Martin have been working on developing Link 16 messages to enable communication with weapons while they are in flight, utilizing the SeaGuardian Systems Integration Lab (SIL) as part of their preparations for upcoming overwater range test flights.
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAS known for its versatile multi-domain capabilities, enabling it to adapt seamlessly across various missions.
Recently, the U.S. has employed SeaGuardian in several demonstrations, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.