Japan has chosen General Atomics’ SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft system for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle program.
The decision follows a trial period known as the Medium-Altitude, Long Endurance RPA System Trial Operations Project, during which the defense force used the SeaGuardian for various tests, including evaluating its potential to replace manned aircraft for certain missions.
A variant of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.’s MQ-9B Reaper drones, the SeaGuardian MALE RPA system is capable of operating for over 24 hours and reaching an altitude of 40,000 feet. Priced at around $38 million per unit, it is equipped with multimode maritime surface-search radars, an Automatic Identification System receiver, and high-definition full-motion video sensors for real-time detection, tracking and identification of maritime targets across extensive areas.
To enhance Japan’s maritime wide area surveillance, GA-ASI has also integrated its proprietary Optix+ software suite into the SeaGuardian. Optix+ gathers and correlates data from the SeaGuardian’s sensors and other sources, creating a comprehensive operational picture for operators. According to the company, the SeaGuardian is the only drone that can search for and track submarines beneath the surface.
The JMSDF’s selection comes three months after the Japanese Coast Guard’s order of two SeaGuardian aircraft. The drones, scheduled for delivery in 2025, deployed by the JCG since 2022 under an agreement with GA-ASI to support search and rescue, disaster response, and maritime surveillance operations.