Morocco and the United States are currently negotiating the sale of advanced “Sea Guardian” drones to Rabat, Spanish news outlet El Periodico de Ceuta reported on Sunday. Members of the U.S. Congress will discuss the agreement in the coming days.
The news outlet wrote that the U.S. State Department has granted permission for the sale of four units of these drones to Morocco.
The “MQ-9B Sea Guardian” drones, manufactured by American company “General Atomics,” feature a range of approximately 11,000 kilometers. These drones can be operated from ground stations, have a flight endurance of 40 hours at altitudes up to 50,000 feet, and are capable of carrying smart bombs and missiles, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance equipment.
Equipped with the Lynx multi-mode radar, advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, automatic take-off and landing capabilities, and a longer wingspan of 79 feet (24 m) compared to previous models, the MQ-9B Sea Guardian offers superior surveillance capabilities and resilience. It seamlessly integrates with various platforms, systems, and technologies of its users.
The drone can be configured for various missions including Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief, Search and Rescue, Border Control, Defensive Air Counterattack, Airborne Early Warning, Electronic Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Airborne Anti-Mine Measures, Long-Range Strategic ISR, and Long-Term Orientation.
Featuring nine hardpoints with a maximum external payload capacity of 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg), the SkyGuardian drone allows for easy integration of sovereign payloads and mission systems for customized solutions by militaries and governments.
The drone also integrates perfectly with normal air traffic and offers operators a comprehensive view of air traffic akin to that of a human-manned aircraft cockpit, if not better.