General Atomics and Saab Develop MQ-9B Drone for Airborne Detection and Control (opex360.com)

• Joint development by General Atomics and Saab
• MQ-9B variant for airborne early warning and control (AEW&C)
• Context: 36 MQ-9A losses in Iran and Yemen operations

"General Atomics and Saab are collaborating on an MQ-9B MALE drone variant dedicated to airborne early warning and control (AEW&C). The development follows significant losses of MQ-9A Reapers in recent conflicts: 24 lost in Operation 'Furious Epics' against Iran and 12 shot down by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The new variant aims to enhance survivability and provide crucial surveillance and control capabilities."