Poland Nears MQ-9B SkyGuardian Drone Acquisition from General Atomics

Poland is on the verge of finalizing the purchase of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from General Atomics after leasing the Reaper model for the past two years.

“Negotiations for Poland to acquire the MQ-9B are very close to being finalized,” company president Dave Alexander revealed to Defense News at the UMEX-2024.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has been operating under a contract with the Polish government since October 2022, conducting reconnaissance missions over the eastern European country using MQ-9A Reapers owned by the company.

C. Mark Brinkley, senior director of communications with General Atomics, mentioned at the UMEX trade show that the ongoing mission in Poland is providing insights into the specific challenges and threat environment in eastern Europe. However, the details of the tactics and approaches resulting from these insights were not specified.

Polish leaders express a desire to acquire the SkyGuardian variant, citing its superior endurance, range, and payload capabilities. The exact number of drones sought by Warsaw has not been disclosed.

General Atomics' CEO stated that the contract signing for Poland to acquire MQ-9B drones is imminent. This acquisition is expected to enhance Poland's reconnaissance capabilities, particularly as it shares a border with Ukraine.

It's worth noting that last year, General Atomics offered to provide two Reaper drones to Ukraine at the symbolic price of $1. However, the offer is still pending approval from the U.S. government.