On December 3, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) announced that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has selected the MQ-9B SeaGuardian for its Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program. While the number of platforms to be acquired has not been disclosed, this decision builds on the JMSDF’s operational experience with the SeaGuardian since May 2023, under its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Trial Operations Project. The UAV has been assessed across a range of missions, including its potential to supplement or replace tasks traditionally conducted by manned aircraft.
