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 taken delivery of its first General Atomics Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted combat drone, with over a dozen more expected and entry into service slated for next year.
The long-endurance Protector offers a significant capability upgrade, featuring armed surveillance, precision strike weapons, and "detect and avoid" technology for deployment in various airspaces globally.
This new drone provides the UK with sovereign control over its operations, a key difference from its predecessor, the largely U.S.-controlled Reaper MQ-9A variant.
RAF pilots and personnel are currently undergoing training for the Protector, and the UK has established an international cooperation agreement with Belgium, which also operates the MQ-9B variant.

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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.