Taiwan and ROCAF to receive MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from the United States

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According to information released by Taiwan’s Air Force (ROCAF), the first MQ-9B “SkyGuardian” drones purchased from the United States could arrive at the end of next year. Their delivery would represent another step in the ongoing modernisation of Taiwan’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, at a time of rising Chinese military activity.

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Delivery timeline for the ROCAF MQ-9B SkyGuardian

During a legislative session, the Chief of Staff of Taiwan’s Air Force confirmed that the first two aircraft-out of a total of four unmanned systems covered by a contract signed in 2023-would be delivered in line with the planned schedule. The remaining aircraft are expected to arrive during 2027.

Contract background and US approvals

It is also worth noting that the acquisition is linked to earlier contracts authorised by the United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). On the one hand, in 2022 the two countries signed an agreement intended to secure the supply of 4 MQ-9B drones in the SeaGuardian variant, with a total value of USD 555 million.

Later, in May 2023, the United States Air Force formalised another contract with General Atomics for the delivery of 4 MQ-9B units, this time in the SkyGuardian configuration. At the time, it was specified that the agreement fell under the US Foreign Military Sales programme, with an upper limit set at USD 217.6 million.

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Expanded deal and the operational context in the Taiwan Strait

As the months passed, in March 2024 the US Department of Defense announced an expansion and the award of a new contract worth USD 250 million to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc for the supply of 4 MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones.

This latest package covered not only the aircraft, but also ground control systems, support equipment, training and technical assistance. It was presented as part of a complementary arrangement aimed at strengthening surveillance and deterrence over the Taiwan Strait, amid a regional situation shaped by a growing number of air and naval incursions by the People’s Republic of China.

Beyond that, the service has indicated that bringing these drones into operation will allow Taiwan to extend its ISR coverage across the Western Pacific, bolstering maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

MQ-9B SkyGuardian

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a remotely piloted aircraft system designed to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) worldwide. SkyGuardian is built to operate via satellite for up to 40 hours in all weather conditions and to integrate safely into civil airspace. This enables joint forces and civil authorities to maintain real-time situational awareness anywhere in the world, day or night.

The aircraft is fitted with the Lynx multi-mode radar, an advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, and automatic take-off and landing systems. It also features a larger wingspan than earlier variants, measuring 24 m.