UK and Japan Programs Recognised at Aviation Week Ceremony
SYDNEY — General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has been awarded two prestigious accolades at Aviation Week’s 21st annual Programme Excellence Awards. The company’s MQ-9B programmes in the United Kingdom and Japan were honored for their significant contributions to unmanned aerial systems, according to a statement released by GA-ASI.
The UK Protector Programme received the Special Projects Award, while the Japan COCO Programme was recognised in the OEM System Sustainment category. “We’re excited that these two important MQ-9B international programmes have been recognised by Aviation Week,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue.
GA-ASI’s Innovative Programs
GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian models are part of the aircraft systems that have achieved noteworthy milestones. The UK’s Protector RG Mk1 was the first unmanned aerial system to receive a Military Type Certificate, allowing it to operate in civil airspace. In Japan, the success of the SeaGuardian COCO Programme has led to the conversion of leased aircraft into sales, with additional orders placed.
The recognition of GA-ASI’s programmes comes at a time of increasing demand for unmanned aerial solutions worldwide. The company has been a leader in the development of long-endurance, multi-mission aircraft systems, contributing to enhanced situational awareness and operational flexibility for military forces globally.
Beyond these awards, GA-ASI continues to innovate and expand its capabilities. The company is actively working on new technologies that promise to further enhance the performance and versatility of its unmanned systems. This includes advancements in AI-driven analytics, which aim to provide operators with even greater insights and decision-making tools. As global interest in unmanned solutions grows, GA-ASI is well-positioned to meet the needs of diverse clients, from military to commercial sectors. The future promises exciting developments as the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in unmanned aviation.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 4 April 2026, 6:39 pm
