Overview
- The MQ-9B, which validated the integrated system on Wednesday, demonstrated simultaneous long-range detection, tracking and classification of several airborne and maritime targets.
- Saab’s LoyalEye radar was carried in external AEW payload pods on the MQ-9B during a multi-month test campaign flown from GA‑ASI’s Desert Horizon facility in Southern California.
- Company statements say tracked targets included multiple instrumented “red” fighter jets and commercial aircraft but the partners did not disclose numeric detection ranges, sortie counts or exact test dates.
- GA‑ASI and Saab present the MQ-9B+LoyalEye as a force‑multiplier that could free crewed AEW planes for other tasks and provide distributed battle management from ground stations, ships or manned aircraft.
- The trial builds on a May 19, 2026 first flight and the firms report strong customer interest while continuing evaluations toward a full capability demonstration later in 2026.