Following Taiwan, Will Japan Also Introduce the 'Sky Assassin MQ-9'?

[Kim Seong-geun, Principal Researcher, Aviation Guidance Research Team 2, Defense Agency for Technology and Quality] The United States has approved the sale of MQ-9B SeaGuardian medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Taiwan. On November 3, the U.S. Department of State announced the approval of a sale package estimated at $600 million, which includes four UAVs and related equipment.

The MQ-9B UAV is the maritime version of the SkyGuardian UAV and is equipped with the SeaVue maritime surveillance radar. Additionally, it is outfitted with the Lynx Ku-band synthetic aperture radar, multi-spectral targeting system, acoustic buoy receiver, and acoustic buoy processing unit.

The MQ-9B UAV has a wingspan of 24 meters and a maximum takeoff weight of 5,670 kg, which includes 2,721 kg of fuel or up to 2,155 kg on external hardpoints. It can carry up to 363 kg internally. Powered by Honeywell’s TPE331-10 turboprop engine, it can reach a maximum operating altitude of 45,000 ft (compared to 50,000 ft for the MQ-9A Reaper). It can remain airborne for over 40 hours (27 hours for the Reaper) and fly at a maximum speed of 200 kt (240 kt for the Reaper).

Notably, it is equipped with eight external hardpoints, more than the five on the Reaper UAV. Taiwan is set to become the first country to acquire the MQ-9B UAV, and Japan is currently considering its introduction for the Japan Coast Guard.