General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is upgrading its Block 30 Ground Control Station (GCS) to operate the advanced MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft, allowing existing operators to transition without replacing their current ground control infrastructure.
The enhancement enables users of the Block 30 GCS to fly both MQ-9A and MQ-9B platforms through a single, adaptable system. This move is expected to lower acquisition costs for customers by eliminating the need for entirely new ground control stations when procuring the MQ-9B.
Current Block 30 users include the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Italian Air Force, French Air Force, United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, Spanish Air Force and Royal Netherlands Air Force. These operators will be able to retain their existing equipment while gaining access to the MQ-9B’s enhanced capabilities.
GA-ASI developed the MQ-9B through its internal research and development program; while the aircraft originally required a more advanced ground control station, the company has invested in adapting the Block 30 system to support the newer platform.
David R. Alexander, president of GA-ASI, “We want to do all we can to deliver the most capable model of our aircraft to our customers, and that’s MQ-9B. By investing our own Internal Research & Development dollars, we can deliver MQ-9B at a lower acquisition cost by adapting the GCS for our current customers.”
GA-ASI is installing a new datalink rack featuring the GA Interface Multiplexor Encryptor, which serves as the core of the MQ-9B’s communications and telemetry system. The company is also modifying the software to support the aircraft’s unique operational capabilities.
Post-upgrade, the operators will be able to switch seamlessly between MQ-9A and MQ-9B missions using the same GCS, improving operational flexibility whilst reducing infrastructure costs. Flight testing will be done before the end of 2026, marking a key step toward expanding MQ-9B accessibility for current and future customers.
