The Ministry of Defense of Poland has entered into an agreement to acquire multi-purpose MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from the United States. The contract, as reported by Milmag, was signed on December 12 and is valued at $310 million. The new drones are set to replace Poland’s existing fleet of MQ-9A Reapers, which were leased from the United States under an agreement signed on October 29, 2022, for $70.6 million. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the manufacturer, is expected to deliver the drones by the first quarter of 2027. The decision for this purchase was made after the commencement of MQ-9A drone operations.

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is an enhanced version of the MQ-9A, featuring a 24-meter wingspan and extended range and flight duration capabilities, allowing it to stay airborne for 40 hours. It is equipped with a high-resolution EO/IR Full Motion Video sensor, an anti-icing system, and an automatic takeoff and landing system. The system includes an improved ground control station designed for four crew members. The strike variant of the MQ-9 is armed with weapon mounts and can carry AGM-

ملخص الأخبار

• أعلن رئيس شركة General Atomics عن قرب توقيع العقد في معرض UMEX 24 في أبوظبي يناير 2024.
• يشتمل نظام الدرون المحسّن على محطة تحكم أرضية تستوعب أربعة أفراد.
• يستطيع الإصدار الهجومي للـ MQ-9B حمل صواريخ AGM-114 Hellfire وقنابل Mark 82.