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 (RAF) has received its first General Atomics Protector RG Mk1 combat drone, with over a dozen more expected to enter service next year, promising a significant upgrade in capability.
The Protector is a long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft capable of global armed surveillance, precision strikes with advanced weaponry, and can operate in unsegregated airspace thanks to "detect and avoid" technology.
Unlike its predecessor, the Protector provides the UK with sovereign operational capabilities, and RAF pilots and personnel are already undergoing training for its deployment.
The UK has also established an international cooperation agreement with Belgium regarding the MQ-9B variant, facilitating joint work on certification, airworthiness, and training.

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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.