General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Saab have carried out the first flight of an MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft equipped with Saab’s new LoyalEye airborne early warning radar, inaugurating what the partners describe as the world’s first unmanned AEW solution.
According to Saab, the test flight took place on 19 May at General Atomics’ Desert Horizon facility in Southern California. The LoyalEye sensor was integrated on an MQ-9B, a medium‑altitude, long‑endurance platform that includes variants such as SkyGuardian, SeaGuardian and the UK’s Protector. The sortie initiates a months‑long test and evaluation campaign that is expected to lead to a full capability demonstration later in 2026.
The joint effort, first announced in 2025, aims to offer an AEW and AEW&C option for operators seeking extended-range airborne surveillance at lower cost than traditional manned platforms. Saab states that the LoyalEye-equipped MQ-9B is intended to provide early detection and warning, long-range detection and tracking, and simultaneous target tracking, with data shared via line-of-sight links and satellite communications.
General Atomics positions the MQ-9B, which can remain aloft for more than 40 hours and is designed for integration into civil airspace, as a multi-mission system. Company information lists airborne early warning among its potential roles, alongside defensive counter-air, maritime surveillance, and other ISR missions.