Taipei's decision to acquire the MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a realisation of the US Government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) announced in November 2020. The FMS procedure works between Pentagon and the manufacturer company. The Pentagon orders to the company and delivers the product to the requesting country. The contract covers four MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles, two certifiable ground control stations, spare parts and support equipment. According to the company, the contract will be realised until May 5, 2025.
Currently, Taiwan is undergoing a rapid modernisation programme to maintain military readiness as the country faces a Chinese threat.
The procurement of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian coincides with long-lasting programmes such as the procurement of 56 F-16 Vipers and T-5 Brave Eagle aircraft, which will be delivered by the end of 2026.
SkyGuardian UAVs can operate in the air for up to 40 hours in all weather and integrate securely into civilian airspace, enabling joint forces and civil authorities to provide real-time situational awareness.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian version of the General Atomics Predator B UAV meets the STANAG-4671 NATO standard.
