MQ-20 Avenger Drone

Defense Systems Full Specifications

MQ-20 Avenger Stealth Combat Drone

The MQ-20 Avenger, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, represents the next stage in U.S. unmanned combat aviation. Designed to operate in contested environments, the Avenger brings jet-powered performance, internal weapons carriage, and reduced radar visibility—capabilities that position it beyond traditional MALE-class UAVs. As demand grows for autonomous strike and ISR assets that can survive modern air defenses, the MQ-20 offers a uniquely adaptable solution.

Powered by a turbofan engine, the Avenger reaches speeds and altitudes that surpass the MQ-9 Reaper, enabling faster response times, improved survivability, and deeper penetration into hostile airspace. The aircraft supports a wide range of missions, including precision strike, electronic warfare, maritime patrol, and networked operations with manned aircraft—an area recently demonstrated in tests where an F-22 successfully controlled an MQ-20 as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) efforts.

Its internal weapons bay carries precision-guided munitions while maintaining a lower radar signature, and external hardpoints allow expanded loadouts when stealth is less critical. Advanced ISR payloads—such as EO/IR systems, synthetic aperture radar, and electronic surveillance packages—enhance its targeting and reconnaissance flexibility. The aircraft’s long endurance and satellite-enabled control architecture provide strategic reach for operations across the Indo-Pacific and other extended theaters.

The MQ-20 is engineered to operate as part of next-generation manned–unmanned teams, contributing to distributed sensing, autonomous threat detection, AI-supported decision-making, and strike coordination. As the U.S. military evolves toward more survivable and affordable unmanned platforms, the Avenger remains a key bridging capability between current legacy drones and future stealth UCAV families.

MQ-20 Avenger Price

The MQ-20 Avenger is estimated to cost USD 12–15 million per unit, depending on payload configuration, data-link architecture, and mission systems. Actual procurement cost may vary based on order quantity and integration requirements.