General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and KONGSBERG have completed two major design milestones for integrating the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) with the MQ-9B uncrewed aircraft system.
The companies successfully finished the System Requirements Review (SRR) and the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) in Kongsberg, Norway. The project is jointly funded and is designed to expand the combat capabilities of the MQ-9B platform.
Design Review Completed
The completed reviews confirm that the integration project has met key technical and system requirements. They also provide the foundation for the next phase of engineering and testing before the missile can be fielded on the aircraft. These reviews are important because they reduce technical risks before full system integration begins.
GA-ASI Vice President for International Capture and Government Affairs Niki Johnson said the company sees strong value in adding the JSM to the MQ-9B platform.
Johnson said the collaboration shows how industry partners can work together to deliver new operational capabilities to military users in a shorter time. The statement highlights the growing focus on rapidly upgrading existing defense platforms.
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Long Range Precision
The MQ-9B is a long-endurance uncrewed aircraft designed to operate over both land and sea in all weather conditions. It is available in the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian variants and supports intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. Adding the JSM expands its role from monitoring operations to carrying out long-range precision attacks.
The Joint Strike Missile is a fifth-generation air-to-surface missile developed by KONGSBERG. It is designed to strike high-priority targets at long distances while using stealth features that make it harder to detect. This combination gives operators a flexible option for engaging targets without placing crewed aircraft at greater risk.
MQ-9B Gains Long-Range Strike
KONGSBERG Senior Vice President for Missiles and Aerostructures Jens Gjestvang said integrating the JSM with an uncrewed platform creates a capable strike option that can operate alongside or independently of manned aircraft.
He added that interest in this type of operational capability is increasing across the global defense sector. The project reflects the broader shift toward combining autonomous systems with advanced precision weapons.
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The MQ-9B is already in service with the UK’s Royal Air Force, Belgian Defence, and the Japan Coast Guard. It has also been selected by Canada, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Qatar, Taiwan, India, and the US Air Force for missions supporting Special Operations Command. The aircraft has also participated in major US Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.
Future Operational Impact
The integration of the JSM adds another mission option to an aircraft already used for a wide range of military operations. It also reflects a growing trend of equipping uncrewed platforms with advanced weapons to extend their operational value. However, the MQ-9B is expected to offer customers greater flexibility for long-range precision missions in future defense operations.
