Protector RG Mk1 Programme overview
- UK variant of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI).
- Replaces the RAF’s Reaper (MQ-9A) fleet.
- Entered RAF service: 16 June 2025, making it the first UAV capable of operating in all classes of UK airspace.
- Based at RAF Waddington, the hub of UK ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Reconnaissance) operations.
- Fleet size: 16 aircraft plus ground control stations.
Key capabilities
- Endurance of over 40 hours, enabling persistent surveillance over vast areas.
- Operates in both NATO and civilian-controlled airspace due to compliance with UK and European aviation standards.
- Multi-role:
- ISR missions (long-range surveillance, target tracking, intelligence gathering).
- Precision strike with Paveway IV guided bombs and Brimstone 3 missiles.
- Equipped with advanced sensors and secure communications for network-enabled warfare.
- Can also support civilian missions such as search and rescue or disaster relief.
Weapons qualification
- Qualification testing for Paveway IV and Brimstone 3 was completed in June 2026, clearing the aircraft for the full range of its weapons in RAF service.
- The aircraft has been observed operating from Cyprus carrying live Paveway IV, confirming operational deployment.
Industrial impact
- Strong UK industry involvement, including BAE Systems, MBDA, Leonardo, Cobham, Raytheon UK.
- Integration of UK weapons (Brimstone, Paveway IV) ensures sovereign strike capability.
- Supports jobs across the UK defence supply chain.
Operational role
- Expands the RAF’s long-range ISR and precision strike capacity.
- Complements manned aircraft such as the F-35B and Typhoon.
- Provides persistent surveillance and strike options for UK and NATO operations worldwide.
- Operates alongside the RAF’s wider autonomous and uncrewed programmes, including StormShroud.
- Expected to remain in frontline service into the 2040s.
Strategic importance
- Enhances the UK’s ability to conduct persistent intelligence and precision strike missions in support of global operations.
- Strengthens NATO’s ISTAR network and coalition airpower.
- Provides sovereign UK capability for high-end RPAS operations.
- A key platform within the RAF’s evolving crewed-uncrewed teaming approach alongside autonomous collaborative platforms such as StormShroud.
