Drone Doubles Ocean Patrol Time to Track Submarines

Naval crews can now hand off grueling ocean patrols to drones that never get tired, thanks to breakthrough tests completed in December by General Atomics.

The MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone successfully deployed specialized underwater listening devices called sonobuoys during recent flight tests. These metal canisters drop into the ocean and use sensors to detect submarines lurking below the surface.

Here's why that matters: crewed patrol planes like the P-8A Poseidon can only stay on station for about four hours before crews need rest. Even with refueling, human limits cap mission length. The SeaGuardian drone can patrol much longer, covering more ocean with less strain on personnel.

The new system uses pods that carry twice as many sonobuoys as before. For the first time, these drones can deploy advanced Multi-static Active Coherent sonobuoys that create temporary sensor networks across vast ocean areas.

Submarine tracking has been critical to naval operations since World War II, when submarine attacks on shipping nearly crippled Britain. During the Cold War, NATO's ability to track Soviet submarines in the Arctic Ocean helped maintain peace.

The Ripple Effect

This technology means naval crews can focus on missions that truly need human judgment and decision-making. The drones handle the tedious but essential work of patrolling empty ocean for hours, waiting and listening.

Broader maritime coverage also means safer shipping lanes and better security across larger areas. One drone can monitor regions that would normally require multiple crewed aircraft working in rotation.

The Navy has been developing these heavy drone variants for anti-submarine work since 2017. Each test brings more sophisticated capabilities, with the December trials showing the most advanced systems yet.

"The wider maritime coverage our MQ-9B's ASW capability provides is extremely valuable to our customers," said General Atomics President David R. Alexander.

Technology that keeps sailors rested while extending our eyes and ears across the ocean counts as a win for everyone who depends on safe seas.