Royal Air Force Receives First Protector RG Mk1 Combat Drone

The long-endurance uncrewed aerial vehicle is expected to enter into service next year, bringing with it 'a step change' in service capability, the RAF says.

Kimberly Johnson

Wednesday, October 04, 2023 at 11:28 AM ET

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Protector RG Mk1 [Courtesy: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.]

Key Takeaways:

The Royal Air Force has received its first Protector RG Mk1 combat drone, a long-endurance, precision-strike capable uncrewed aerial vehicle based on the MQ-9B, with entry into service expected next year.
The Protector offers enhanced capabilities, including advanced equipment, precision strike weapons, "detect and avoid" technology for unsegregated airspace, and an endurance of over 40 hours.
Unlike its predecessor, the Protector RG Mk1 provides the UK with fully sovereign capabilities, and the UK has established an international cooperation agreement with Belgium regarding the MQ-9B variant for shared expertise.

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The Royal Air Force has taken delivery of the first of more than a dozen General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) combat drones.

The long-endurance uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), which is based on GA-ASI’s MQ-9B UAV variant, is expected to enter into service next year, bringing with it “a step change” in service capability, according to the RAF. The UAV can be flown anywhere in the world while operated from RAF Waddington in England.