Battle for survival: the US Sky Guardian drone arms itself with intelligence

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The MQ-9B Sky Guardian drone represents an advanced version of the MQ-9 Reaper, an aircraft that became widely known during the war on terror.

MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones are now receiving a new layer of “intelligence” after the United States Marine Corps signed a contract with Ultra Intelligence and Communications to equip them with the new Knox-5 processors. These processors are intended to enhance data-processing capabilities within drone systems.

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According to the US-based website National Interest, the Knox-5 is an advanced processor designed to manage large and complex data flows in operational environments with limited connectivity. It is also capable of supporting cloud-native applications, even when deployed in a tactical battlefield setting.

The new processors feature 100-gigabit Ethernet connectivity, enabling data exchange across domains, even under low-latency conditions.

In a press release issued by Ultra Intelligence and Communications, Mladen Brkic, president of the company’s Mission Solutions division, stated that defense systems should not force operators into restrictive, proprietary approaches.

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He added that the Knox system breaks this cycle by allowing platform operators to replace modules, update software, and integrate new capabilities as missions evolve, providing flexibility specifically tailored to operational realities.

Brkic explained that the Knox-5 processor follows a modular, future-ready design, enabling rapid and efficient integration of emerging advanced technologies, while supporting modern architectures and mission-specific payloads.

Under the contract, Ultra Intelligence and Communications will deliver nine Knox-5 processors. If the results meet the expectations of the Marine Corps, an additional contract is likely to be signed.

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The Marine Corps operates a relatively small but highly capable fleet of MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones, primarily deployed in the Indo-Pacific area of operations.

Drones play an increasingly critical role on the battlefield and are a core component of modern warfare. They allow commanders to gather intelligence prior to operations, deploy munitions, and conduct post-strike assessments.

The MQ-9B Sky Guardian is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial system capable of operating autonomously or being remotely controlled by human pilots.

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The drone can track targets during surveillance missions and launch precision munitions, such as the AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missile, when required.

The MQ-9B Sky Guardian is an upgraded version of the MQ-9 Reaper, the most well-known variant of the drone, which gained both widespread recognition and a controversial reputation due to its diverse roles during the war on terror.

The Reaper remains the primary aircraft of the US military for combat, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions since it replaced the older MQ-1 Predator, serving for decades as the eyes and ears of the US military and intelligence community.

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However, the MQ-9 drone is not invulnerable. It prioritizes range, endurance, and operational flexibility over stealth, making it vulnerable when facing adversaries equipped with advanced air defense systems.

For example, in the event of a potential conflict with Russia or China, MQ-9 fleets would be at greater risk due to the sophisticated air defense capabilities possessed by those militaries.

As a result, the new upgrades planned for the MQ-9B Sky Guardian could enhance its effectiveness on the battlefield and significantly improve its survivability.

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