General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has taken a significant step in advancing unmanned maritime operations, successfully demonstrating Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities on its MQ-9B SeaGuardian® drone. In a series of tests conducted between January 20-30, 2025, a company-operated SeaGuardian deployed and evaluated anti-submarine sensors using pre-production Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) pods.
The test marks the first instance of an unmanned aerial system executing end-to-end ASW operations, showcasing SeaGuardian’s ability to autonomously detect, track, and analyze underwater targets. GA-ASI’s newly developed SDS pods enabled the drone to deploy multiple sonobuoys, conducting real-time thermal-depth and acoustic analysis. Utilizing Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (DIFAR), Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS), and Bathythermograph sonobuoys, the system successfully gathered critical acoustic intelligence.
“This demonstration represents a major leap forward in unmanned capabilities and marks a major milestone in proving that an unmanned aircraft can perform end-to-end persistent ASW operations,” said David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI. “The success of this testing paves the way for enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities on the MQ-9B SeaGuardian. We look forward to continued collaboration with the U.S. Navy as they explore innovative solutions for distributed maritime operations in the undersea domain.”
The development process also included precise testing of DIFAR and DICASS sonobuoys, correlating ejection speed with stress and strain data to refine launch dynamics. This data is expected to improve the system’s future deployment capabilities.
Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) AIRWorks played a key role in supporting and overseeing the testing process, ensuring the system meets the evolving requirements of maritime defense. GA-ASI and NAWCAD have collaborated on multiple ASW demonstrations, including the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in July 2024.
With increasing global demand for cost-effective and persistent maritime surveillance, GA-ASI anticipates growing interest in the MQ-9B SeaGuardian. Its ASW capabilities offer a scalable and cost-efficient alternative to traditional manned platforms, reinforcing its position as a leading asset for modern naval operations.