Germany Orders 8 MQ-9B SeaGuardian Drones for P-8A Missions

January 13, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1768333290272-1908

Berlin Invests in Advanced Unmanned Aerial Capability Amid NATO Expansion

Germany has placed an order for eight General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones to support its maritime patrol aircraft missions. The German Armed Forces aim to protect sea lanes and critical infrastructure with the new fleet, which will be operated by Naval Air Wing 3 at Nordholz naval station in Saxony. Deliveries are set to begin in 2028, with training and necessary infrastructure introduction expected ahead of entry into service.

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Key Takeaways

Germany orders 8 General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones.
Deliveries set to begin in 2028.
MQ-9B will support P-8A maritime patrol aircraft missions.
Drones to provide extended range and endurance capabilities.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems NATO Support and Procurement Agency

Strategic Implications

This procurement may indicate Germany’s growing commitment to NATO’s multi-domain capabilities. The integration of MQ-9B with P-8A could enhance naval surveillance and protection in the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea regions.