Germany has ordered eight MQ-9B drones from General Atomics to boost long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare as security concerns rise in the Baltic and North Atlantic.
On January 12, 2026, the German Armed Forces announced that Germany has ordered eight MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft from U.S. manufacturer General Atomics. The drones will be operated by the German Navy’s aviation arm, the Marineflieger, with deliveries starting in 2028 and operations based at Naval Air Wing 3 “Graf Zeppelin” in Nordholz. The aircraft are being acquired to support long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare, expanding Germany’s ability to monitor activity in the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea.
The decision reflects a new approach to maritime operations that combines manned and unmanned aircraft. Germany will pair the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft with MQ-9B drones that can stay airborne for long periods, maintaining constant surveillance over sea lanes, chokepoints, and areas of interest. While the Poseidon can rapidly reach contacts and carry heavy sensor and weapon loads, the MQ-9B provides persistent coverage before, during, and after manned missions, keeping a continuous picture of maritime activity.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian offers capabilities well suited for over-water missions. It can remain in the air for more than 40 hours, fly at altitudes above 40,000 feet, and cover over 6,000 nautical miles. Powered by a Honeywell turboprop engine and featuring a large 79-foot wingspan, it is optimized for efficient long-duration patrols. Its modular design allows it to carry a wide range of sensors on multiple hardpoints, making it ideal for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
For Germany, the focus is on sensors and connectivity. The MQ-9B will be equipped with radar and electro-optical systems for detecting surface targets, as well as sonobuoy dispensers that allow it to track submarines underwater. This means the drone can monitor surface movements, deploy sonobuoys to build an acoustic picture, and share that data with command centers, ships, and aircraft such as the P-8A Poseidon. In this way, the MQ-9B becomes a key node in a networked maritime surveillance and targeting system.
The MQ-9B was also selected because it is designed to operate safely in civilian airspace. It includes Detect and Avoid technology, TCAS, ADS-B, and radar systems, and is built to NATO airworthiness standards. This allows Germany to fly the aircraft routinely over busy areas such as the North Sea and Baltic Sea without major restrictions.
The timing of the purchase reflects rising security concerns in the region. The Baltic Sea has seen repeated incidents involving damage to undersea cables and other critical infrastructure, raising fears of sabotage and hybrid warfare. NATO has increased surveillance through initiatives like Baltic Sentry, and Germany’s MQ-9B fleet will directly support this effort by providing persistent monitoring of sensitive maritime zones.
Strategically, the drones will strengthen Germany’s role in NATO’s maritime posture. Their data will be shared not only with German forces but also with allied units, helping to close surveillance gaps and improve collective situational awareness. Continuous drone patrols over key sea routes, pipelines, and cable corridors will help detect suspicious activity early and reduce uncertainty during tense situations.
Germany is also relying on the experience of other MQ-9B users such as the United Kingdom and Belgium to speed up deployment and avoid long development cycles. This reflects a shift toward faster, more interoperable defense acquisitions focused on real operational needs rather than customized national solutions.
Before the first aircraft arrive in 2028, Germany will need to build the supporting infrastructure, train crews, and integrate the MQ-9B into its naval and joint command networks. If done successfully, the drones will become a permanent and powerful surveillance layer, improving Germany’s and NATO’s ability to monitor, deter, and respond to threats in the Baltic and the North Atlantic.
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