General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has announced a new software enhancement for the MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aircraft system. The update enables in-flight target updates by transmitting sensor data to weapons via Link 16 communications.
The capability was successfully tested in a Systems Integration Lab and demonstrated during a recent ground trial. A live-fire demonstration is scheduled later this year. The new feature is part of GA-ASI’s Quadratix software enterprise and is designed to improve SeaGuardian’s ability to engage maritime targets in real time.
According to GA-ASI President David R. Alexander, this development strengthens the platform’s utility in contested environments by allowing unmanned systems to take on higher-risk missions typically assigned to crewed aircraft.
SeaGuardian, a maritime variant of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, was first used for targeting demonstrations during the U.S. Navy's RIMPAC 2024 exercise. It remains the first unmanned system capable of performing multi-domain intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISR&T) using internal payloads.
In addition to detecting targets across the ocean’s surface and subsurface, SeaGuardian now offers advanced in-flight targeting—enhancing its role in fleet operations. The system provides high-end capabilities at a lower cost than conventional manned platforms, positioning it as a competitive solution for naval forces.
