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GA-ASI and Mitchell Institute Award the 184th Attack Squadron With RPA Squadron of the Year

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

SAN DIEGO – 02 February 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies presented the 2024 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Squadron of the Year Award to the 184th Attack Squadron (ATKS) from the Ebbing Air National Guard Base. The award was initially announced at the U.S. Air Force’s annual Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, but GA-ASI and Mitchell held a formal presentation ceremony on January 30 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the home of the 184th ATKS, in order to include the entire “Flying Razorbacks” squadron.

The award was presented by GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David Deptula of the Mitchell Institute. The RPA Squadron of the Year Award is given annually to the squadron that distinguishes itself through its employment of RPA in meritorious service.

“Presenting this award is always one of the highlights of my year,” said Blue. “I’m thrilled to recognize the Flying Razorbacks as the RPA Squadron of the Year.”

The 184th Attack Squadron distinguished itself by executing 314 combat sorties and delivering 5,972 hours of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and PROSPERITY GUARDIAN. As the first unit tasked by the president of the United States to provide overwatch for humanitarian aid airdrops, the squadron demonstrated unparalleled innovation and mission versatility. Leading the Air Force in MQ-9A Reaper operations, the 184th Attack Squadron executed 66 percent of all non-traditional defensive counter-air and counter-small unmanned aerial system missions, significantly enhancing joint force lethality and integrated deterrence against adversarial threats.

“The important work of the Flying Razorbacks embodies the Air Force’s Units of Action and displays the agility, readiness, and multi-role capability of the MQ-9A, seamlessly transitioning from operational test to combat execution,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Linn of the 184th Attack Squadron. “Their contributions as citizen airmen not only advances remotely piloted aircraft operations but also solidifies the United States Air Force’s dominance in ISR.”

The 184th Attack Squadron’s exceptional performance reflects the highest standards of service, earning them recognition as the premier remotely piloted aircraft squadron in the Department of the Air Force.

Posted in Air Force, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

Rheinmetall Drone LUNA NG Demonstrates its Capabilities in the Bundeswehr’s New Reconnaissance and Operational Network

Friday, January 30th, 2026

Rheinmetall successfully participated in a visionary test conducted by the Bundeswehr at the Army Combat Training Centre in Saxony-Anhalt, using its LUNA NG unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system. The test focused on the reconnaissance and operational network. From target detection to counter-measures, only unmanned systems were used, including drones and loitering munitions. Drone swarms are worldwide considered a novelty, and as yet an untested technology in terms of future combat methods of modern armed forces worldwide.

Within the Bundeswehr, the LUNA NG reconnaissance drone is known as the HUSAR (Highly Efficient Unmanned System for Medium-Range Reconnaissance) project. During the test period at the Combat Training Centre, Rheinmetall successfully integrated the system with the Bundeswehr’s Command & Control Unmanned Management System (C2-UMS Bw). This allows LUNA NG to operate within reconnaissance and operational networks alongside other drones or loitering munitions. Notable features of the system include a flight time of over 12 hours and a maximum altitude of 5,000 metres.

Overall, the test at the Combat Training Centre was characterised by a high level of digitalisation and networking. It showed that the interaction of reconnaissance and operational networks reduces the required time to detect, mark and counter-attack a target significantly.

During testing, LUNA NG reliably processed short-term assignments, showcasing its exceptional reconnaissance capabilities. The system also boasts great endurance and operates quietly at high altitudes.

The other participants connected to the C2-UMS Bw receive a status information of a large operational area, as well as high-resolution target information, via LUNA NG. Additionally, sensor information is available in real time, giving ground units a complete picture of the situation.

Posted in International, ISR, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

GA-ASI Breaks Ground on a New Hangar in El Mirage

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026

SAN DIEGO – 18 January 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) began construction January 14 on a new hangar at El Mirage Airfield in El Mirage, California. The new construction is in the high desert of Southern California adjacent to GA-ASI’s current Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility.

GA-ASI plans to build nearly 85,000 square feet of new hangar space that will house and test GA-ASI’s latest Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. As part of the new construction, GA-ASI expects to dedicate space to support as many as a dozen new Certifiable Ground Control Station (CGCS), which are used to operate the RPA.

The groundbreaking event featured GA-ASI team members, as well as local dignitaries. Speakers included GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, San Bernardino County Supervisor, Second District Jesse Armendarez, and Parkway Construction CEO Ryan Elmer. Parkway is leading the construction of the new hangar.

“Breaking ground on a new facility is always an exciting day for our company,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “We continue to fill our order book for new MQ-9Bs, which represent the latest in RPA technology, so it’s important that we have the right team and facilities in place to build and test these important aircraft.”

Nations across the world continue ordering the class-leading MQ-9B, from the United Kingdom to Canada to several others. Last week, Germany became the latest with the purchase of eight SeaGuardians.

In addition to supporting RPA and CGCS development, the new hangar will feature three aircraft launch pads and four new gate terminals.

Posted in Aviation, Industry, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

SIG Teams with IAI for the Firestorm Armed Quadcopter

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026

We first mentioned the Firestorm UAS during AUSA but leaned more about this armed quadcopter during the SIG Defense Range Day. With an APUS 60 airframe from Israeli Aerospace Industries combined with a lightweight remote weapon station and M250 machine gun and 200 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition from SIG SAUER, the system offers persistent, dedicated close air support. Essentially, it is an airborne machine gun.

Thanks to its multi-fuel internal combustion engine, boasting on station time of three hours, a unit equipped with several Firestorms could stagger sorties in order to offer 24-hour coverage. Unlike battery powered drones with short flight times and long recharge times leads to severe gaps in operations.

Another factor for the duration is that the engine runs as a fixed RPM and speed and station keeping is achieved through changing the blade pitch. This allows the Firestorm to take off and land in up to 23 knot winds and fly in winds up to 40 knots. The use of altered blade pitch reacts 10x faster than traditional engine RPM changes. This offers another advantage. The engine doesn’t change pitch as the UAS reacts to control input making it less likely to be detected by sound.

What’s more, in spite of its long hover time, the Firestorm retains ample power for the onboard weapon station. The max takeoff weight is 72kg with a payload weight of 35kg.

The Micolight remote weapon station is based on the General Robotics Bulldog but is more compact and smaller weighing just under 10kg. It is optimized for use with the SIG Medium Machine Gun chambered in 7.62mm NATO. The weapon station can see out your 25km, incorporating an electro optical sensor with 10x zoom and the Infrared sensor offers 5x zoom. Additionally, there is a laser range finder and the software includes automatic target recognition and tracking functions.

An interesting feature is that the training burden is lower than with other larger drones and utilizes a unified control system for both remote weapon station and flight. In fact, when the weapon is engaged, the Firestorm assumes a hover but can quickly transition into a move and scoot mode by the operator to balance survivability and target engagement. While engagement has only been tested so far in hover, the development team is working on the ability to engage while moving.

The system is easily transportable with foldable arms which are quickly placed into action and has undergone testing with foreign customers.

We will provide more information on this system as we receive it.

Posted in Advertiser, UAS, weapons | No Comments »

SOTech Debuting Cobra Drone Carrier Packs at SHOT Show

Monday, January 19th, 2026

SOTech will be debuting its new line of Cobra Drone Carrier Packs at SHOT Show. The Cobra pack is being widely adopted in both conventional and special operations medicine as a comfortable pack that splays open to reveal a highly organized and labeled pouch arrangement. SOTech adopted this design in multiple sizes to fit most sizes of drones with custom padded inserts. The Cobras allow organization of controllers, batteries, optics, wire sets, and tools making the drone operator’s tasks quicker and smoother.

SOTech will also be displaying it’s latest variants of its Cobra Medical Packs and the LISS infantry harnesses designed for the new M7 weapons systems.

Special Operations Technologies Inc. (SOTECH) is located near the first door at the SHOT Show, exhibiting in Booth Space 20059.

Posted in Advertiser, Packs, Press Release, SHOT Show, UAS | No Comments »

GA-ASI and USN Test Expanded Sonobuoy Dispensing System For MQ-9B SeaGuardian

Thursday, January 15th, 2026

SAN DIEGO – 13 January 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Navy continue to expand the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability of the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). Flight test was performed on December 17 and featured Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) pods, more than previously tested, doubling the number of sonobuoys available.

“Expanding sonobuoy capacity, including Multi-static Active Coherent (MAC) technology for SeaGuardian, has been an integral part of our advanced ASW strategy to broaden and enhance search areas,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The wider maritime coverage our MQ-9B’s ASW capability provides is extremely valuable to our customers.”

Sonobuoys are naval sensors that drop from an aircraft into the ocean and help detect submarines. The SeaGuardian deployed AN/SSQ-36 Bathythermal, AN/SSQ-53G Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (DIFAR) (passive), and AN/SSQ-62F Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS) (active) buoys. This was the first time Multi-static Active Coherent (MAC) buoys have been dispensed from an uncrewed aircraft. The MAC buoys are better at detecting submarines over large areas and require fewer buoys compared to using DIFAR and DICASS.

Sponsored by the U.S. Navy, the flight tests were specifically aimed at certifying the SDS. This flight testing supports the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Operational Evaluation deployment to SEVENTH Fleet and enjoyed additional support and governmental supervision from the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) AIRWorks.

Upon completion of the testing and data review, the U.S. Navy is expected to give GA-ASI deployment flight clearance for ASW operations using MQ-9B SeaGuardian in January 2026.

SeaGuardian has also been used by the U.S. Navy in various recent exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

Germany Buys Eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian RPA Through NSPA

Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

NSPA Supports NATO Countries in the Acquisition and Sustainment of GA-ASI’s Advanced Multi-Domain RPA

SAN DIEGO – 12 January 2026 – Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) have announced the procurement of eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). The program includes four Certifiable Ground Control Stations. First delivery is expected in 2028.

Germany joins a growing list of NATO countries that have selected GA-ASI’s advanced MQ-9B RPA for its multi-domain capabilities with exceptionally long range and endurance. The platform provides pole-to-pole satellite control and de-icing capabilities to enable missions in cold climates. SeaGuardian features two multi-mode surface-search radars that deliver wide-area maritime surveillance, with an option to add Anti-Submarine Warfare capability. Additionally, MQ-9B’s in-house-developed Detect and Avoid System aids its ability to fly in unsegregated airspace for domestic civilian operations, making it highly versatile for operations from Germany.

In 2025, MQ-9B became the first large RPA to obtain a Military Type Certificate from the UK’s Military Aviation Authority, certifying its safe operation without geographic restrictions, including over populous areas.

“We’re thrilled that Germany has joined the list of NATO countries that have selected MQ-9B SeaGuardian,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “The proliferation of MQ-9B in Europe delivers commonality between NATO countries and for Germany, it will provide opportunities for interoperability with their fleet of P-8As.”

The acquisition negotiation was executed on behalf of Germany by NSPA, which has developed a contractual framework through the MQ-9 Support Partnership (MIC SP) for supporting cooperation amongst its member nations and enabling the procurement of MQ-9B for NATO Allies and Partners. NSPA has added MQ-9B to its portfolio of defense systems to contract on behalf of NATO nations, with the goal of enhancing interoperability for joint training and operations.

“This Support Partnership demonstrates how NSPA enables efficient, effective and responsive multinational acquisitions for advanced, interoperable capabilities. We are proud to support Germany in this strategic investment for maritime surveillance and security,” said Ms. Stacy A. Cummings, NSPA General Manager.

MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models as well as the Protector RG Mk1 that is currently being delivered to the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF). GA-ASI also has MQ-9B procurement contracts with Belgium, Canada, Denmark, India, Japan, Poland, Taiwan and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command and is looking forward to welcoming Germany to that group. MQ-9B has also been featured in various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.

Posted in Contracts, International, NSPA, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

10th Mountain Division Activates Cutting Edge UAS and Launched Effects Company

Tuesday, December 30th, 2025

FORT DRUM, N.Y. — Fox Company, 1-10 Attack Battalion, a new company dedicated to achieving “drone dominance” on the modern battlefield, was formally established Dec. 16, 2025 under the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (LI). The activation of the unit, a first-of-its-kind tactical unmanned aircraft systems and launched effects company, marks a significant milestone in the brigade’s ongoing efforts to provide the 10th Mountain Division with the most advanced aviation capabilities.

“Today’s activation of Fox Company marks a historic chapter for the Dragon Battalion and for the exceptional Soldiers standing before you,” said Lt. Col. Chris Stoinoff, the commander of 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment. “Current conflicts have proven that the modern battlefield is more lethal than ever before, primarily due to the potent combination of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and long-range fires.”

Stoinoff elaborated on the Army’s dual approach to this new era of warfare. “The U.S. Army is currently investing in counter-UAS systems to protect our forces from this threat. But at the same time, we are developing a robust offensive launched effects and UAS capability to take the fight to our enemies,” said Stoinoff. “These robots can be equipped for a multitude of missions: to conduct reconnaissance, to act as decoys, to jam enemy communications or to deliver lethal strikes. That’s what Fox Company provides to the Falcon Brigade, a group of highly trained professionals who will hunt and kill our enemies in the division’s deep area. By integrating Fox Company’s recon forces with the overwhelming firepower of three Apache companies, 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment will decisively win battles for the 10th Mountain Division.”

To pioneer these new capabilities, the Soldiers of Fox Company, 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment are working hand-in-hand with the 10th Mountain Division’s innovation cell to develop, produce and disseminate UAS components in house. This partnership allows faster creation, adaptation, and integration of new technology directly into the unit placing the company at the forefront of the Army’s efforts to integrate unmanned systems, ensuring the division is equipped with the advanced tools needed to out-see, out-reach, and out-maneuver any adversary on the battlefields of today and tomorrow.

The establishment of Fox Company, 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment aligns with the Army’s broader strategy to equip every division with launched effects capabilities by 2026, creating a more dynamic and lethal force capable of penetrating and disintegrating enemy anti-access/area denial systems. The lessons learned by this new company at Fort Drum will pave the way for future UAS formations across the force.

By CPT Daniel Andrews

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