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| The US MQ-9B SeaGuardian Drone |
International Military - MQ-9B SeaGuardian is one of the drones that fall into the MALE category. By qualifying for the MALE drone, the MQ 9B SeaGuardian has special qualifications.
Quoted from ga-asi.com, the MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone has a role as a maritime qualification UAV. With these maritime qualifications, the MQ 9B SeaGuardian has a special role in various missions. Starting from reconnaissance missions, ground and surface attacks to SAR missions, these drones can do it.
Therefore, if the MQ-9B SeaGuardian becomes one of the reliable UAV defense equipment in carrying out various missions. Starting from maritime missions to non-maritime missions, the MQ 9B SeaGuardian can carry out.
In his explanation, the MQ-9B SeaGuardian has a remote-controlled system. Especially from the control of the base on the ground to the control of the warship capable of controlling the MQ 9B SeaGuardian. Until there is information if the MQ-9B has a bolt-on or bolt-off maritime sensor.
As a result, the MQ 9B SeaGuardian is designed to fly over the horizon via SATCOM for up to 30 hours. Not only does it fly for a long time, but the role of the MQ-9B is capable of operating in all weathers.
With these advantages, the MQ 9B SeaGuardian has several advanced systems. Like the Lynx multi-mode radar, infrared electro-optical sensors and automatic take-off and landing capabilities are on the MQ 9B SeaGuardian.
Therefore, the MQ 9B SeaGuardian has a mid-wide area maritime radar mission kit. Later the MQ 9B SeaGuardian flagship equipment kit will be useful in identification, and an anti-submarine mission (ASW) kit.
That means that the MQ 9B SeaGuardian can carry out surface and underwater attacks well. So don't be surprised if the MQ 9B SeaGuardian's role in surface and ground attack missions can be carried out well.
It was also informed that the MQ 9B SeaGuardian covers a mission radius of 1200 nautical miles with significant on-station time. That means that the MQ 9B SeaGuardian can carry out cruising missions up to a distance of 1,931 km. That means that the combat radius of the MQ 9B SeaGuardian is more than 950 km.
With this high combat radius, the role of the MQ 9B SeaGuardian is very reliable. Especially in regional offensive or defensive mode of coastal areas. As a result, the role of the MQ 9B SeaGuardian is highly favored in a maritime country like Indonesia.
It is evident that Japan will order the MQ 9B SeaGuardian as its newest defense equipment. Quoted from navalnews.com on April 11, 2022, Japan selected the MQ 9B SeaGuardian for the coast guard RPAS project. That means a unit like the Japan Coast Guard has chosen the MQ 9B SeaGuardian to patrol Japanese waters.
Especially the Japanese EEZ area bordering China will be monitored by MQ 9B SeaGuardian. It is also explained that the MQ 9B SeaGuardian can carry two to four sonobuoy dispensers under its wings.
The MQ 9B SeaGuardian can carry a sonobuoy receiver and an internal processor. According to GA-ASI, the MQ 9B SeaGuardian is equipped with near-air mine counter capabilities.
And the MQ 9B SeaGuardian is able to expand its mission range. Therefore, if the MQ 9B SeaGuardian has a very significant role in terms of mission capabilities. Especially the more reliable maritime-based missions run by the MQ 9B SeaGuardian.
In addition, it is made clear that the MQ 9B SeaGuardian drone has very slick advantages. A very slick advantage of the MQ 9B SeaGuardian is a matter of low operating costs. Although not explained in detail, the operating costs of the SeaGuardian MQ 9B are quite cheap.
Not only cheap, but the SeaGuardian MQ 9B also excels in being easy to maintain and use. Therefore, the SeaGuardian MQ 9B UAV has many very prominent advantages. Of the outstanding advantages of the MQ 9B SeaGuardian makes this defense system able to work together.
Especially in collaboration with several other defense equipment operating with the MQ 9B SeaGuardian. Starting from MPA aircraft, warships, helicopters, to fighter jets can coordinate with the MQ 9B SeaGuardian well. Therefore, it is not surprising that the MQ 9B SeaGuardian is included in the candidate candidate for Malaysian drones.
On May 8, 2019, the MQ 9B SeaGuardian was allegedly chosen by Malaysia as its future drone. However, until now, if Malaysia has not legally signed a contract for the purchase of the MQ 9B SeaGuardian UAV. And if Malaysia buys the MQ 9B SeaGuardian later, the neighbor will be the first country to use this advanced UAV in ASEAN.
Especially in the ASEAN region which will have UAVs in anti-submarine and surface capabilities. Moreover, Malaysia, as well as several other European and Asian countries have looked at the MQ 9B SeaGuardian to be used as a new defense system. However, until now only Japan is known to have been attracted to the MQ 9B SeaGuardian.