General Atomics’ aeronautical systems business will supply Taiwan with four MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned air vehicles under a $217.6 million contract from the U.S. Air Force.
The Department of Defense said Monday the sole-source acquisition also covers two certifiable ground control stations, spares and support equipment to be provided over a two-year period.
The award follows the September 2022 deal between the U.S. and Taiwan governments that allows the latter to purchase MQ-9Bs from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the contracting activity and is obligating $107.4 million from foreign military sales funds at the time of the award.
Work will run through May 5, 2025, and occur at GA-ASI’s site in Poway, California.
SkyGuardian is designed to provide General Atomics customers with situational awareness in support of their respective missions. The next-generation remotely piloted aircraft system uses satellite communication to deliver persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to joint forces and civil authorities.
