GA-ASI's UK and Japan MQ-9B Programs Honored With Excellence Awards

The company's Protector and SeaGuardian programs recognized by Aviation Week for achievements in special projects and system sustainment.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 7:00am

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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) was named the winner of two awards during Aviation Week's 21st annual Program Excellence Awards. GA-ASI's United Kingdom (UK) Protector Program was given the Special Projects Award, while its Japan COCO (Company-Owned, Company-Operated) Program won in the category of OEM System Sustainment.

Why it matters

The awards highlight GA-ASI's success in developing and deploying its advanced MQ-9B unmanned aerial systems for military and maritime applications in the UK and Japan. The Protector program's achievement of the first-ever Military Type Certificate for routine UAS operations in civil airspace sets a precedent for future unmanned systems integration. The SeaGuardian program's proven capabilities for real-time maritime domain awareness and patrol have led to expanded sales in Japan.

The details

The UK Protector Program received the Special Projects Award for passing a rigorous airworthiness assessment and verifying the safe operation of the Protector RG Mk1 without geographic restrictions, enabling routine UAS operations in civil airspace from domestic RAF bases. The Japan COCO Program won the OEM System Sustainment award for the successful lease-to-sale conversion of MQ-9B SeaGuardian aircraft and additional orders, demonstrating the platform's utility for maritime domain awareness and patrol.

  • In 2025, GA-ASI achieved the first-ever Military Type Certificate for the Royal Air Force's Protector RG Mk1.
  • The Aviation Week Program Excellence Awards were held last week.

The players

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)

The world's foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), with over 9 million flight hours logged on its Predator line of UAS.

Linden Blue

The CEO of GA-ASI.

Protector RG Mk1

The UK's variant of GA-ASI's MQ-9B unmanned aerial system.

Royal Air Force (RAF)

The air force of the United Kingdom.

MQ-9B SeaGuardian

GA-ASI's maritime variant of its MQ-9B unmanned aerial system.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited that these two important MQ-9B international programs have been recognized by Aviation Week. We're fortunate to have an incredible team of employees whose dedication and commitment to our customers is truly remarkable.”

— Linden Blue, CEO

The takeaway

GA-ASI's success in developing and deploying its advanced MQ-9B unmanned aerial systems for military and maritime applications in the UK and Japan, as recognized by the prestigious Aviation Week Program Excellence Awards, demonstrates the company's technological leadership and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its international customers.