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InnoEX and Spring Electronics Fair attract some 88,000 global buyers

Low-altitude economic solutions highly popular with many industries actively exploring business opportunities

– The 3rd InnoEX and 21st Spring Electronics Fair concluded successfully today, attracting some 88,000 buyers from 148 countries and regions.
– One of the highlights of this year’s InnoEX were the low-altitude economic solutions, which generated significant interest and attracted enquiries and business discussions from global buyers, including those from emerging markets.
– Over half of InnoEX and Spring Electronics Fair respondents intend to expand into emerging markets, including ASEAN, Mainland China and the Middle East.
– 40% survey respondents at the Spring Electronics Fair expect their overall sales to increase in the next one to two years, while half of all respondents are confident that they can maintain the current level.

The 3rd InnoEX, co-organised by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), alongside the 21st HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition), concluded successfully today. The four-day exhibitions attracted some 88,000 buyers from 148 countries and regions. Apart from local visitors, the fairs welcomed buyers mainly from Mainland China, India, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said, “As the two core events of the Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BIT Week), InnoEX and the Spring Electronics Fair attracted some 88,000 visitors from Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas. By showcasing the latest smart solutions and R&D achievements to international buyers, exhibitors initiated numerous regional business collaborations and discussions, while exploring new markets successfully. The exhibitions further advanced Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub and reinforced its status as a global trade centre, demonstrating Hong Kong’s advantages of connecting with both the Mainland and the world.”

This year’s InnoEX focused on five major technology areas, namely the low-altitude economy, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and smart mobility, aiming to address pain points for both large and small and medium-sized enterprises and bring new development opportunities for them. Among the technology solutions, the low-altitude economy was particularly popular, attracting the attention of many buyers.

InnoEX brought together the latest innovative R&D and solutions from around the world. The Smart Hong Kong Pavilion, set up by the Digital Policy Office, had over a hundred I&T achievements closely related to the lives of citizens, including I&T solutions from 20 government bureaux and departments, and award-winning solutions from multiple I&T competitions.

In addition, there were multiple local pavilions, 17 pavilions from 16 provinces and municipalities in the Mainland, and overseas pavilions, including from Canada and the United Kingdom, the French ‘So French So Innovative’ pavilion, and the Smart Cities Council from Australia. The fair also attracted tertiary institutions and big companies which participated as independent exhibitors, including China Mobile Hong Kong, Huawei, IBM, and more. The exhibitors showcased their technological solutions in different fields and successfully attracted many buyers to discuss cooperation.

Exhibitors expand into new markets while buyers actively source
Zeng Quanhong, Manager of Marketing Department, Vertaxi, stated that the company showcased its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at InnoEX, establishing relationships with some 30 potential buyers from ASEAN, Canada, Europe, India, UAE, and Hong Kong. “InnoEX is a quality platform with high foot traffic which has broadened our horizons. For example, after communicating with buyers from Thailand, we learned that the aircraft could be applied to local tourism services in Thailand, helping us explore new markets. Our participation this year was very successful, and we will definitely return next year.”

Australian buyer Spacious Property Development Group (Spacious) looked for technologies that can help reduce hotel operating costs at InnoEX, and was particularly interested in automated delivery robots, cleaning robots, and vending machines offered by exhibitors from Mainland China and Hong Kong respectively. Angela Liang, Managing Director of Spacious, said, “InnoEX provided us with an excellent opportunity to introduce innovative technologies to the Australian market, especially now that the United States has increased tariffs, prompting suppliers around the world to actively explore other new markets.”

In addition, some exhibitors successfully established important partnerships through InnoEX. Among them, Philippine buyer Digital Pilipinas and International Digital Economies Association signed a distribution agreement with the United Kingdom’s exhibitor Unifi.id to introduce Unifi.id’s smart card system for buildings to the Philippines, with hopes of expanding into other emerging markets in the future. Xi’an Meinan Biotechnology Co. Ltd also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with H & Y Building Decoration Electrical Engineering (HK). The partnership aims to enhance the quality of construction projects in Hong Kong and internationally by utilising Meinan’s waterproof mortar technology, promoting sustainable development.

The Spring Electronics Fair showcased a variety of products, focusing on products and solutions in the fields of smart home, health tech and wearable devices and the exhibition attracted buyers from around the world and helped exhibitors expand into new markets. Many companies launched new products at the Electronics Fair, including Guangzhou’s Havit Technology, which introduced a hat with headphone functionality utilising air conduction technology and a patented design. Qingdao’s Thunderobot Technology, a subsidiary of Haier Group, made its debut in Asia outside of Mainland China with its smart glasses.

At the fair, Shenzhen Antop Technology Co. from Mainland China, showcased air purifiers designed for households with pets. The company’s International Business Development Manager, Bojia Yang, said, “In the past, the US market accounted for over 80% of our business. With the increase in US tariffs, we are actively expanding our global operations and exploring new markets, targeting Asia, Europe, and South America. We have made contact with many potential buyers from India and South America at the exhibition, and in the first two days, we received about 50 potential leads, with at least one third showing significant collaboration potential.” The company is also discussing a contract for an order valued at approximately USD2.5 million.

Additionally, Hong Kong medical technology exhibitor CYBERMED, is currently discussing business deals with two buyers from Mainland China and the Middle East, with each order valued at approximately USD200,000.

American buyer DeWalt Mobile Solutions, which produces and sells mobile phone accessories, sourced products at Spring Electronics Fair. Its Director of International Operation, Danny Lo, said, “We are a leading brand in the US and plan to purchase products worth USD500,000 to USD1 million at the electronics fair. Face-to-face communication with suppliers during this crucial sourcing time and discuss business in response to the tariff situations with them was especially important for us.”

Four thematic days to explore the latest industry developments, with industry leaders sharing their insights
During InnoEX and Spring Electronics Fair, several conferences and seminars focused on hot technology topics were held, including the Tech-Driven Industry and Economy Conference, powered by the HKSAR Government’s Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, which brought together government officials from various countries and regions to discuss how policy measures can promote industrial development. Participants also shared successful policy measures and emerging trends in various countries.

Talent is crucial to promoting the development of the I&T ecosystem and, this year, InnoEX and the Spring Electronics Fair jointly hosted “Exhibitors Meet Talents” to assist exhibitors in recruiting professionals and attract people who were interested in exploring job opportunities and engage with employers in the I&T industry.

Half of respondents intend to expand into emerging markets
To further understand the development trends of the I&T and electronics industries, HKTDC appointed an independent survey agency to interview 315 InnoEX and 642 Spring Electronics Fair exhibitors and buyers during the exhibitions. The key results are as follows:

InnoEX and Spring Electronics Fair
– 50.7% of respondents from InnoEX and Spring Electronics Fair expressed their intention to expand into emerging markets, including ASEAN countries, Mainland China and the Middle East.

InnoEX
– 33% of respondents believe that the greatest strength of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology sector is its unique position as an intermediary between the world and Mainland China. This s followed by having a highly skilled and multicultural talent pool (25.1%) and a robust and efficient financial market (24.6%).
– 68.8% of surveyed Hong Kong exhibitors believe that FinTech is the strongest and most advantageous field of I&T in Hong Kong, followed by Smart Cities (18.2%).

Spring Electronics Fair
– 40% of respondents expect their companies’ overall sales to increase in the next one to two years. Additionally, 50.5% expect to maintain the current overall sales figures, while less than 10% anticipate a decline.
– Nearly 30% of respondents believe that compared to traditional electronic products and household appliances, consumers are willing to pay a premium of 21% to 30% more for products that are compatible with smart home or AI applications.

In addition, the 2nd Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference brought together top experts, including Nobel Prize winning scholars, to discuss various innovation and science fields. The World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit, held in Hong Kong for the first time, also attracted nearly a thousand participants from all over the world to discuss the latest trends in areas such as AI, digital finance, digital government and smart living, creating synergies with BIT Week events.

Photo download: https://bit.ly/3YA7Y75

Websites
InnoEX: innoex.hktdc.com/en
Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition): hkelectronicsfairse.hktdc.com/en

Media enquiries

Yuan Tung Financial Relations:

Salina Cheng	Tel: (852) 3428 2362	Email: salcheng@yuantung.com.hk
Hing-fung Wong	Tel: (852) 3428 3122	Email: hfwong@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:

Sharon Ha	Tel: (852) 2584 4575	Email: sharon.mt.ha@hktdc.org
Johnny Tsui	Tel: (852) 2584 4395	Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.org
Clayton Lau	Tel: (852) 2584 4472	Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.org

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.

GA-ASI Inks Collaboration Deal With South Korea’s Hanwha

The Companies Will Pursue Global UAS Programs

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace have agreed to collaborate on the development and production of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for the global defense market. The joint effort follows the successful completion of a major flight demonstration in 2024 when the two companies launched a GA-ASI MQ-1C Gray Eagle® STOL (GE STOL) UAS from the South Korean Navy’s amphibious landing ship ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111) as it was underway at sea off the coast of Pohang, South Korea.

GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace collaborated on a historic ship to land flight demonstration using Gray Eagle STOL on Nov. 12, 2024.

The demonstration illustrated the ability of the GE STOL to safely operate on many types of aircraft-capable ships, which opens myriad new ways for the U.S. and its allies to use this UAS to support multi-domain operations. It also paved the way for GA-ASI and Hanwha to sign this new agreement to jointly invest in and pursue new UAS business opportunities.

“We’re excited to extend and deepen our business relationship with Hanwha,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, who supervised the November 12, 2024, at-sea demonstration. “Our test flight with Gray Eagle STOL was well-received by the Republic of Korea Navy, and we know Hanwha is ready to invest to grow a UAS business with GA-ASI both in Korea and the U.S.”

Gray Eagle STOL-which stands for short takeoff and landing-is the only medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft of its kind with the ability to operate without a catapult or arresting gear from fight deck-equipped warships such as amphibious ships and aircraft carriers. It additionally enables true runway independence by operating from unimproved fields and roads, beaches, parking lots, etc.

Hanwha Aerospace plans to invest more than 300 billion KRW (US $203.5M) in the development and production facilities for GE STOL and UAS engines, expand research and development activities, and provide production infrastructure in both South Korea and with GA-ASI in the U.S. This is in addition to GA-ASI’s past and ongoing investment in UAS STOL development. Hanwha also plans to create jobs by securing talent in related fields and to foster the domestic (Korean) UAS industry ecosystem by discovering domestic parts and material partner companies. GA-ASI expects the endeavor to create nearly 10,000 jobs based upon the expected sales and support over the next 10 years, and at least 500 jobs in the U.S.

“Hanwha Aerospace views unmanned systems as a strategic pillar for the future of defense. Through our collaboration with GA-ASI, we aim to strengthen sovereign defense capabilities, expand Korea’s presence in the global UAS market, and contribute to a more robust ROK-U.S. alliance, said Dong Kwan Kim, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group.

Previously known as Mojave, Gray Eagle STOL leverages extensive commonality with the well-proven, in-production Gray Eagle 25M airframe to offer a highly capable new aircraft at greatly reduced cost and technical risk compared to a clean-sheet design. Gray Eagle STOL has recorded a number of first-of-their-kind aviation milestones, including the flight from the Dokdo, launch and recovery aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (09), live-fire testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., and several others. Gray Eagle STOL offers international militaries a unique platform: a full-featured medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS with a significant battlefield payload that can take off in short distances from ships, unimproved surfaces, or other highly combat-relevant locations.

About Hanwha Aerospace

Hanwha is South Korea’s seventh-largest business group, with innovative businesses in the areas of aerospace & mechatronics, clean energy and ocean solutions, finance, and retail and services. Hanwha Aerospace is a world leader that specializes in the design, development, assembling, and maintaining aircraft gas turbines and engine parts, aircraft components, as well as space systems, guided missile systems, and land and naval weapon systems to include providing highly specialized and dedicated organizational and depot maintenance support across these products. www.hanwha.com

About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is the world’s foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Logging more than 8 million flight hours, the Predator® line of UAS has flown for over 30 years and includes MQ-9A Reaper®, MQ-1C Gray Eagle® 25M, MQ-20 Avenger®, XQ-67A, YFQ-42A, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, multi-mission solutions that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike.

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Avenger, EagleEye, Gray Eagle, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.

Contact Information
GA-ASI Media Relations
asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com
(858) 524-8101

SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

GA-ASI Expands Targeting Capability for MQ-9B SeaGuardian(R)

New Software Will Provide In-Flight Target Updates

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has demonstrated software that will provide in-flight target updates that will enable the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to close gaps on maritime targets. In a recent ground test, GA-ASI demonstrated the ability to send sensor data to the missile via Link 16 messaging. The software, part of General Atomics’ Quadratix software enterprise, was validated in a Systems Integration Lab and is gearing up for a live-fire demonstration later this year.

“We continue to build on the innovative capabilities of SeaGuardian for the U.S. Navy,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The targeting we’ve demonstrated will be especially valuable in contested environments, enabling an unmanned asset like SeaGuardian to be used for higher-risk missions instead of putting manned assets at risk.”

Being able to fire and use SeaGuardian for targeting will significantly enhance the aircraft’s mission set. GA-ASI first showcased its targeting capability for SeaGuardian during the U.S. Navy’s Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024.

SeaGuardian is a maritime derivative of GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and remains the first UAS to offer multi-domain Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) as an internal payload that can search the ocean’s surface and its depths in support of Fleet Operations.

With strong demand already in place, GA-ASI anticipates increasing interest in the MQ-9B SeaGuardian because it delivers high-end maritime capabilities at a significantly lower cost than traditional manned maritime platforms.

Contact Information
GA-ASI Media Relations
asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com
(858) 524-8101

SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

GA-ASI Achieves EMAR/FR 145 Maintenance Organization Approval for MQ-9A and MQ-9B Platforms

European Military Airworthiness Regulator Approves GA-ASI Application Approval Will Make Subsequent Certifications Easier

SAN DIEGO, CA, Mar 21, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a world leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), has received the prestigious EMAR/FR 145 Maintenance Organization Approval for component maintenance from the French Military Continuing Airworthiness Authority, DSAE. This approval underscores GA-ASI’s commitment to the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence in military aviation.

The EMAR framework is a set of regulations developed from commercial aerospace standards (FAA/EASA) that are designed to ensure airworthiness for European military aircraft. It establishes a common airworthiness framework recognized by military airworthiness authorities worldwide. EMAR/FR 145 certification authorizes maintenance organizations to perform critical maintenance tasks while ensuring strict adherence to safety, reliability, and documentation requirements.

GA-ASI’s EMAR/FR 145 approval allows the company to issue EMAR Form 1s (Return to Service forms) for components serviced by the approved maintenance organization, confirming the safety and airworthiness of the equipment. This recognition applies to GA-ASI’s maintenance activities at its Poway and Adelanto, California, facilities and covers CAT C (component maintenance) services.

“This approval is a significant achievement for GA-ASI, positioning the company to better serve international customers, especially military users of our MQ-9A and MQ-9B UAS platforms,” said Sam Richardson, GA-ASI vice president of Sustainment. “The ability to leverage the EMAR/FR 145 certification streamlines the company’s processes, reduces costs, and accelerates future airworthiness pursuits, as many future customers will recognize this certification rather than requiring a full, independent certification process.”

By obtaining EMAR/FR 145 approval, GA-ASI further demonstrates its ability to meet the stringent demands of the global defense market. The framework’s widespread recognition ensures that GA-ASI can expand operations and offer high-quality, compliant maintenance services to international customers, ultimately driving company growth in global markets.

This certification offers significant operational and financial benefits for both GA-ASI and its customers. For GA-ASI, the approval reduces future oversight costs by leveraging the DSAE Audit Team’s oversight activities, ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective certification process for future non-French EMAR customers. For customers, the EMAR/FR 145 approval provides a framework recognized internationally, offering a streamlined maintenance certification process. The recognition agreements between EMAR and non-EMAR countries allow future customers to leverage GA-ASI’s French approval, saving time and resources compared to a full certification effort.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is the world’s foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Logging more than 8 million flight hours, the Predator® line of UAS has flown for over 30 years and includes MQ-9A Reaper®, MQ-1C Gray Eagle® 25M, MQ-20 Avenger®, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, multi-mission solutions that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike.

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Contact Information
GA-ASI Media Relations
asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com
(858) 524-8101

SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

CORRECTION FROM SOURCE: General Atomics Acquires North Point Defense

Change: The first sentence of the second paragraph has been removed.

General Atomics (GA) today announced the strategic acquisition of North Point Defense, Inc. (NPD), a leading provider of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) exploitation software and sensor integration, by General Atomics Integrated Intelligence, Inc. (GA-III), formerly known as General Atomics Commonwealth Computer Research, Inc. This acquisition enhances GA’s capabilities in the rapidly evolving SIGINT field, positioning the company to deliver advanced ISR solutions for air, sea, ground, and space platforms.

From concept to deployment, NPD delivers AI/ML-based autonomous signal processing and data dissemination solutions providing real-time actionable intelligence, supporting tactical and national mission priorities. “Joining GA represents an incredible opportunity to enhance our impact in delivering cutting-edge SIGINT solutions in support of national and tactical users,” said Bruce Benenati, President of NPD. “As part of a mission-focused organization with a proven track-record in tactical intelligence across the DoD and IC, we can accelerate innovation and deployment at scale. The integration gives our team access to unmatched operational expertise, resources, and a broader customer base. Together, we are poised to deliver even greater capabilities to those who depend on us in the field.”

GA-III is committed to providing a comprehensive suite of “out-of-the-box” hardware and software tools to meet mission requirements and expand the innovative intelligence capabilities within the GA group of companies. “The integration of NPD technologies into a division of GA-III is a strategic shift, enhancing GA’s ability to innovate rapidly and provide greater value to customers with end-to-end ISR solutions that are more efficient, effective, and technologically advanced.” said Brian Ralston, President of GA-III.

Baird served as the exclusive financial adviser and Miles & Stockbridge acted as legal counsel to North Point Defense on the transaction.

About General Atomics and General Atomics Integrated Intelligence
General Atomics is a defense and diversified technologies company, founded in 1955 as a division of General Dynamics and acquired by the Blue family in 1986. GA and affiliates operate on five continents, and produce unmanned aircraft and airborne sensor systems, satellite surveillance, high power laser, hypervelocity projectile, and power conversion systems. GA is a leader in nuclear fusion research, next-generation nuclear fission and advanced materials technologies. The company occupies 8+ million square feet of engineering, laboratory and manufacturing facilities and comprises over 13,000 employees.

GA-III’s capabilities include spatio-temporal data management, advanced analytics, visualization tools, and computer vision, alongside AI/ML-enabled automated target recognition services. These capabilities support a wide range of national, tactical, and commercial/international applications, leveraging both commercial cloud and edge-based computing solutions and are fully integrated with GA Aeronautical Systems’ unmanned aircraft and airborne sensor systems.

Media Contact: https://www.ga.com/general-business-inquiries

Contact Information
GA-ASI Media Relations
asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com

SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

General Atomics Introduces Quadratix Software Enterprise

New Technology Network Optimizes Advancements in All Domains

General Atomics is reshaping its software enterprise for the future, merging efforts from across business lines into a single technology grid delivering all-domain response and information dominance.

The new Quadratix enterprise will bond GA’s large software workforce and extensive suite of systems under a unified umbrella, merging solutions for:

Autonomy, artificial intelligence and machine learning
Airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
Land-based advanced sensing
Sea-based threat detection
Space-based missions and satellite operations
Cyber exploitation
Unified data fusion and visualization

This new cross-functional collaboration is designed to promote interoperability across all GA product lines, providing streamlined options for customers hoping to capitalize on the breadth and depth of General Atomics’ expertise.

As one of the largest privately held defense companies in the world, General Atomics has been a disruptive force in aerospace and defense technology for decades, employing more than 1,000 software engineers, programmers and related experts. Our new Quadratix enterprise merges software efforts from across the company’s various affiliate divisions, including Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI); Electromagnetic Systems Group (GA-EMS); Integrated Intelligence, Inc. (GA-III); and other General Atomics holdings.

The move offers new options for both current and future GA customers. One example is the unmanned aircraft delivered by GA-ASI, with its industry-leading Predator® series of UAS and future-forward autonomous jets, which will benefit from increased collaboration on autonomy, AI and ML produced by other GA divisions.

“We’ve transcended a one-for-one software build and arrived at an integrated suite of software solutions for our aircraft and our customers,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “We’re moving out fast to meet our users’ toughest challenges by grouping these solutions together under the Quadratix umbrella.”

GA’s transformational technologies continue to revolutionize how global military forces address complex challenges and respond to evolving threats. From data processing, exploitation, and dissemination to data fusion and real-time situational awareness, our vertically integrated software teams work closely with our hardware engineers to build versatile, flexible systems that mesh seamlessly behind the scenes.

“Quadratix integrates across our full catalog of subordinate systems to command, control, collect, catalog, and communicate information and intelligence to customers,” said Blue. “Built from our existing integrated network of proven systems and subsystems, Quadratix is GA’s end-to-end solution for providing information dominance.”

For information about Quadratix, go to https://quadratix.ga.com .

About General Atomics
General Atomics is a defense and diversified technologies company, founded in 1955 as a division of General Dynamics and acquired by the Blue family in 1986. GA and affiliated companies operate on five continents. GA and affiliates produce unmanned aircraft and airborne surveillance systems, satellite surveillance, electro-magnetic rail gun, high-power laser, hypervelocity projectile, and power conversion systems. GA is a leader in nuclear fusion research, next-generation nuclear fission and advanced materials technologies. The company occupies 8+ million square feet of engineering, laboratory and manufacturing facilities and comprises over 13,000 employees.

Contact Information
GA-ASI Media Relations
asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com

SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

GA-ASI Flies Government Reference Autonomy Stack at Orange Flag 25-1

Government-Supplied Pilot Vehicle Interface Used for Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) achieved another major milestone in the development of Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs) by flying U.S. government-provided autonomy software aboard a company-owned MQ-20 Avenger®. The demonstration was part of the Air Force Test Center’s all-domain test series called Orange Flag 25-1, which took place Feb. 19-21 at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

The demonstration included the use of a government-provided Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI), showcasing GA-ASI’s commitment to advancing its UCAV ecosystem through collaboration with partners and government entities and integrating cutting-edge technologies. Avenger is a jet-powered UAS used extensively by GA-ASI as a test bed for future Autonomous Collaborative Platforms.

GA-ASI also demonstrated the ability to rapidly swap between autonomy systems midflight over Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) satellites utilizing an autonomy product from Shield AI.

Orange Flag 25-1 is part of the larger Orange Flag Evaluation and Demonstration Event series. This event brought together various stakeholders to test and validate advanced aerospace technologies in realistic operational scenarios.

The government-provided autonomy software – known as a reference autonomy stack – was integrated into the GA-ASI Avenger and demonstrated autonomous flight operation capabilities focused on conducting air-to-air engagements. The government-provided PVI enabled seamless control and monitoring of the autonomy stack, highlighting the interoperability and flexibility of GA-ASI’s UCAV ecosystem. The Shield AI stack demonstrated autonomy skills for safe administrative phases of flight.

What the flights proved was that GA-ASI aircraft can quickly go from company-written software, to government-provided, to other vendors’ software as needed. This reinforces that the new generations of GA-ASI’s UCAVs can seamlessly get upgrades as fast as developers finish them. Just as a mobile phone can get new and better features with each update, so too can new UCAVs get more capable and more versatile.

“This demonstration marks a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to operationalize autonomy for UCAVs,” said GA-ASI Vice President of Advanced Programs Michael Atwood. “Flying the government reference autonomy stack at Orange Flag 25-1 and utilizing the government-provided PVI underscores our commitment to delivering robust and adaptable autonomy solutions for the warfighter. We especially appreciate and salute the support we received from the 309th Software Engineering Group.”

The successful flight at Orange Flag 25-1 further validates GA-ASI’s dedication to maturing its open standards-based autonomy software ecosystem. By adhering to government-owned and maintained standards, GA-ASI ensures rapid integration of best-of-breed capabilities from third-party providers, enhancing the overall operational effectiveness of UCAV platforms.

GA-ASI continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing autonomy for UCAVs through a series of flight tests and collaborations with government and industry partners. These efforts are aimed at developing an autonomy infrastructure that enables rapid integration and validation of tactical software applications while maintaining safety of flight and providing warfighters with the most advanced capabilities possible. GA-ASI has been selected by the U.S. Air Force to build and fly the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness. The company also produces a variety of sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Avenger, Gray Eagle, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.

Contact Information
GA-ASI Media Relations
asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com

SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

General Atomics Acquires North Point Defense

The new Quadratix enterprise will bond GA’s large software workforce and extensive suite of systems under a unified umbrella, merging solutions for: From concept to deployment, NPD delivers AI/ML-based autonomous signal processing and data dissemination solutions providing real-time actionable intelligence, supporting tactical and national mission priorities. “Joining GA represents an incredible opportunity to enhance our impact in delivering cutting-edge SIGINT solutions in support of national and tactical users,” said Bruce Benenati, President of NPD. “As part of a mission-focused organization with a proven track-record in tactical intelligence across the DoD and IC, we can accelerate innovation and deployment at scale. The integration gives our team access to unmatched operational expertise, resources, and a broader customer base. Together, we are poised to deliver even greater capabilities to those who depend on us in the field.”

Baird served as the exclusive financial adviser and Miles & Stockbridge acted as legal counsel to North Point Defense on the transaction.

Media Contact: https://www.ga.com/general-business-inquiries

Contact Information
GA-ASI Media Relations
asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com

SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

GA-ASI Advances Sub-Hunting With Test of New Air-Dropped Sensors

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) continues to expand the role of unmanned aerial systems, demonstrating the first-ever Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability on an MQ-9B SeaGuardian®. In a groundbreaking test from January 20-30, 2025, a company-operated MQ-9B SeaGuardian successfully deployed and tested anti-submarine sensors using multiple pre-production Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) pods.

Having already proven its ability to track submerged targets, SeaGuardian took this capability further with GA-ASI’s newly designed SDS pods. These pods deployed multiple sonobuoys to conduct onboard thermal-depth and acoustic data processing. Using Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (DIFAR), Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS), and Bathythermograph sonobuoys, SeaGuardian effectively detected, tracked, and analyzed underwater targets while collecting critical acoustic intelligence.

“This demonstration represents a major leap forward in unmanned capabilities and marks a major milestone in proving that an unmanned aircraft can perform end-to-end persistent ASW operations,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The success of this testing paves the way for enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities on the MQ-9B SeaGuardian. We look forward to continued collaboration with the U.S. Navy as they explore innovative solutions for distributed maritime operations in the undersea domain.”

As part of the development process, GA-ASI successfully deployed multiple DIFAR and DICASS test sonobuoys, precisely correlating ejection speed with stress/strain data. This provided a high-fidelity launch model to refine future deployment capabilities.

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) AIRWorks played a key role in supporting and overseeing the development, ensuring the system meets emerging warfighter needs. AIRWorks has partnered with GA-ASI in multiple ASW demonstrations, including the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in July 2024.

With strong demand already in place from multiple customers, GA-ASI anticipates increasing interest in the MQ-9B SeaGuardian, given its high-end maritime capabilities at a significantly lower cost than traditional manned maritime platforms.

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Avenger, Gray Eagle, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.

Contact Information
GA-ASI Media Relations
asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com

SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

GA-ASI and CAE Sign Long-Term Agreement to Develop the Next Generation MQ-9B SkyGuardian(R) Mission Trainer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and CAE are pleased to announce a long-term agreement for the development and production of the next-generation mission trainer for GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian® remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS). The contract with GA-ASI includes a firm order for 11 mission trainers, with the opportunity to deliver up to 50 devices over the next five years. The agreement brings together two industry leaders to enhance the training capabilities for operators of MQ-9B and builds on the long-standing business relationship between GA-ASI and CAE.

Recognized globally as the reference in synthetic training for RPAS, CAE leverages the latest visualization technology in the development of the next-generation MQ-9B SkyGuardian Mission Trainers. The trainers will employ the CAE Prodigy Image Generator to provide a highly realistic training environment to replicate flight operations. Powered by a state-of-the-art gaming engine, CAE Prodigy elevates training standards through an enhanced immersive training environment, high-fidelity graphics, and physics-based simulation. This cutting-edge technology enhances the realism and effectiveness of the training, ensuring that operators are well-prepared for their missions.

MQ-9B is the world’s most advanced RPAS delivering exceptionally long endurance and range, with auto takeoff and landing under pole-to-pole SATCOM-only control and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system. MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® models, as well as the new Protector RG Mk1 that is currently being delivered to the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force. The platform is building a global operator list, with procurement contracts signed with Belgium, Canada, Poland, the Japan Coast Guard, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises.

“GA-ASI and CAE have worked together to deliver leading-edge training to our customers for more than two decades,” said Jaime Walters, vice president of International Strategic Development at GA-ASI. “Through this partnership, we will continue to enhance operational readiness and effectiveness for MQ-9B operators worldwide, and in particular, we see the new SkyGuardian Mission Trainers supporting our new Canadian customer. CAE’s comprehensive training solutions ensure that personnel are well-prepared to operate these advanced RPAS efficiently and safely.”

GA-ASI’s partnership with CAE is part of its Team SkyGuardian Canada initiative, which is focused on GA-ASI’s collaboration and investment with Canadian businesses following the Government of Canada’s selection of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian.

“This agreement underscores our commitment to advancing the capabilities of RPAS training and ensuring that MQ-9B SkyGuardian operators worldwide have access to the best training tools available,” said Marc-Olivier Sabourin, Division President, CAE Defense & Security, International. “Our knowhow, expertise, and experience put our customers on the cutting edge of training and readiness. Through our long-term relationship with General Atomics, we are proud to be the key partner of choice for training solutions involving remotely piloted aircraft systems.”

CAE is a leading provider of flight training and services and works in partnership with the world’s most advanced OEMs and defense forces to deliver integrated training solutions that ensure operational excellence and mission readiness.

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Avenger, Gray Eagle, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.

About CAE
At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. As a technology company, we digitalize the physical world, deploying software-based simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Above all else, we empower pilots, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, airlines, business aviation operators, and defence and security forces to perform at their best every day and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with approximately 13,000 employees in more than 240 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. CAE represents more than 75 years of industry firsts-the highest-fidelity flight and mission simulators as well as training programs powered by digital technologies. We embed sustainability in everything we do. Today and tomorrow, we’ll make sure our customers are ready for the moments that matter.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cae.inc
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cae

Contact Information
GA-ASI Media Relations
asi-mediarelations@ga-asi.com

SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.