Saudi Arabia Could Finalize Record-Breaking Purchase of 200 MQ-9B Drones in Talks with General Atomics
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According to information published by Breaking Defense on May 21, 2025, Saudi Arabia is in advanced discussions with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) for the potential acquisition of up to 200 MQ-9B drones. If confirmed, this deal could become the largest international contract ever signed by the U.S. manufacturer. The project is part of a broader defense package estimated at $142 billion, announced by former President Donald Trump during his recent visit to the Gulf region. A GA-ASI spokesperson, C. Mark Brinkley, confirmed that MQ-9Bs are included in the proposed package, though the White House has not specified whether the deal would be processed through a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) or a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS).
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The MQ-9B SeaGuardian, a maritime variant of the SkyGuardian, maintains the same architecture but includes features specific to naval operations (Picture source: GA-ASI)
Still under negotiation, the contract could create nearly 46,000 jobs in the United States and significantly enhance Saudi Arabia’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The deal is expected to cover a mix of MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian drones. These medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) systems incorporate advanced technologies and meet NATO STANAG 4671 certification standards.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is designed for ISR operations in both civil and military airspace. It is powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine and can fly for over 40 hours at altitudes above 12,000 meters. Its modular design supports a range of payloads, including high-definition electro-optical/infrared sensors, Lynx multi-mode radars, and dual SATCOM links for beyond-line-of-sight control. The drone offers an internal payload capacity of 800 pounds and can carry up to 4,750 pounds externally, spread across nine hard points for weapons or mission systems.
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian, a maritime variant of the SkyGuardian, maintains the same architecture but includes features specific to naval operations. These include a 360-degree maritime radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), electronic warfare sensors, and the option for anti-submarine warfare configurations. The platform is equipped with de-icing and lightning protection systems and has an airframe designed for 40,000 flight hours. It can also be configured for communications relay via Link-16, airborne early warning, and signals intelligence missions, allowing for multi-role deployment.
Saudi Arabia’s interest in these drones aligns with its objective to improve its strategic posture in response to regional asymmetric threats, notably those from Houthi forces in Yemen. Several U.S.-operated MQ-9s have recently been shot down in that area, highlighting the risks associated with contested environments. Researcher Jacopo Maria Mazzucco notes the platform’s relevance in hybrid conflict scenarios, while stressing the urgent need to equip such systems with enhanced protection against infrared, radiofrequency, and cyber threats.
Beyond the operational considerations, this initiative signals a doctrinal shift. After experimenting with Turkish (Bayraktar TB2) and Chinese (Wing Loong II) drones, Saudi Arabia now appears to favor a fleet aligned with NATO standards. This move toward Western technology could enhance interoperability with U.S., Israeli, and Gulf partners involved in the Abraham Accords. It reflects a strategic decision to build an air force capable of wide-area surveillance, deterrence, and precision response.
In parallel, General Atomics has confirmed the signing of a Letter of Acceptance with Qatar for eight MQ-9B drones. Discussions with the United Arab Emirates, however, remain stalled since being halted under the Biden administration. If finalized, the Saudi contract could reshape the operational presence of U.S.-origin drones in the region and establish the MQ-9B as a central asset in emerging ISR doctrines in the Middle East.
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{loadposition sidebarpub}
According to information published by Breaking Defense on May 21, 2025, Saudi Arabia is in advanced discussions with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) for the potential acquisition of up to 200 MQ-9B drones. If confirmed, this deal could become the largest international contract ever signed by the U.S. manufacturer. The project is part of a broader defense package estimated at $142 billion, announced by former President Donald Trump during his recent visit to the Gulf region. A GA-ASI spokesperson, C. Mark Brinkley, confirmed that MQ-9Bs are included in the proposed package, though the White House has not specified whether the deal would be processed through a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) or a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS).
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian, a maritime variant of the SkyGuardian, maintains the same architecture but includes features specific to naval operations (Picture source: GA-ASI)
Still under negotiation, the contract could create nearly 46,000 jobs in the United States and significantly enhance Saudi Arabia’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The deal is expected to cover a mix of MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian drones. These medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) systems incorporate advanced technologies and meet NATO STANAG 4671 certification standards.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is designed for ISR operations in both civil and military airspace. It is powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine and can fly for over 40 hours at altitudes above 12,000 meters. Its modular design supports a range of payloads, including high-definition electro-optical/infrared sensors, Lynx multi-mode radars, and dual SATCOM links for beyond-line-of-sight control. The drone offers an internal payload capacity of 800 pounds and can carry up to 4,750 pounds externally, spread across nine hard points for weapons or mission systems.
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian, a maritime variant of the SkyGuardian, maintains the same architecture but includes features specific to naval operations. These include a 360-degree maritime radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), electronic warfare sensors, and the option for anti-submarine warfare configurations. The platform is equipped with de-icing and lightning protection systems and has an airframe designed for 40,000 flight hours. It can also be configured for communications relay via Link-16, airborne early warning, and signals intelligence missions, allowing for multi-role deployment.
Saudi Arabia’s interest in these drones aligns with its objective to improve its strategic posture in response to regional asymmetric threats, notably those from Houthi forces in Yemen. Several U.S.-operated MQ-9s have recently been shot down in that area, highlighting the risks associated with contested environments. Researcher Jacopo Maria Mazzucco notes the platform’s relevance in hybrid conflict scenarios, while stressing the urgent need to equip such systems with enhanced protection against infrared, radiofrequency, and cyber threats.
Beyond the operational considerations, this initiative signals a doctrinal shift. After experimenting with Turkish (Bayraktar TB2) and Chinese (Wing Loong II) drones, Saudi Arabia now appears to favor a fleet aligned with NATO standards. This move toward Western technology could enhance interoperability with U.S., Israeli, and Gulf partners involved in the Abraham Accords. It reflects a strategic decision to build an air force capable of wide-area surveillance, deterrence, and precision response.
In parallel, General Atomics has confirmed the signing of a Letter of Acceptance with Qatar for eight MQ-9B drones. Discussions with the United Arab Emirates, however, remain stalled since being halted under the Biden administration. If finalized, the Saudi contract could reshape the operational presence of U.S.-origin drones in the region and establish the MQ-9B as a central asset in emerging ISR doctrines in the Middle East.
