24 November 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has officially acknowledged that discussions with Saudi Arabia are underway for a large-scale procurement package combining up to 130 MQ-9B platforms and as many as 200 Gambit collaborative combat aircraft. GA-ASI President David Alexander said in a November 18 interview that the talks are progressing but that details on configuration, timelines and overall scope are still being refined.
The negotiations come shortly after the company showcased new short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities for the MQ-9B using components derived from the Mojave demonstrator. The kit replaces standard wings, tail sections and propellers with optimized counterparts, allowing MQ-9Bs to operate from short runways or aviation-capable ships—an important requirement for Saudi missions.
Alexander described the Saudi package as potentially the largest international program the company has ever considered in the region. A fleet approaching 330 total unmanned aircraft would allow a significant portion of production, assembly and sustainment activities to take place within Saudi Arabia, supporting both local industry and long-term operational readiness. He noted that higher procurement volumes also make it easier to incorporate indigenous components and enable coordinated swarm operations.
Saudi interest in the MQ-9B family dates back several years, including strong signals at IDEX 2025 regarding a substantial requirement for the SeaGuardian variant. Riyadh previously acquired Chinese CH-4 and Wing Loong II drones as well as Turkish Akinci UCAVs, but progress on U.S. systems had been slow due to political restrictions. That changed following the recent Strategic Defense Agreement between Washington and Riyadh, which granted Saudi Arabia non-NATO ally status and approved F-35 fighters and nearly 300 M1 Abrams tanks, easing conditions for MQ-9B exports.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants are built to NATO STANAG 4671 airworthiness standards, enabling safe integration into civilian airspace. With a 24-meter wingspan and more than 2,100 kg of external payload capacity, the aircraft can remain airborne for 27 to over 40 hours depending on mission profile. The SeaGuardian variant adds a 360° maritime radar, AIS receivers and optional anti-submarine warfare kits, expanding its role in maritime patrol and ISR missions.
Several nations—including Belgium, Denmark, Qatar and the UAE—are already operating or acquiring MQ-9Bs. Should Saudi Arabia finalize its procurement, it would become the world’s largest MQ-9B operator, potentially accelerating wider adoption of CCA-compatible unmanned aircraft across the Gulf.
With regional tensions rising—particularly after Houthi forces demonstrated their ability to target U.S. MQ-9s using Iranian-supplied 358 missiles—the pursuit of an advanced MQ-9B and Gambit package reflects Saudi Arabia’s intent to enhance protection against infrared, radiofrequency and cyber threats. Analysts note that this program could mark a strategic shift toward NATO-standard systems and deeper integration with U.S., Israeli and Gulf partners.
