Protector enters RAF service

With deliveries of 16 air vehicles ongoing, the RAF has now received the Protector RG1 into service. (Crown Copyright)

The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) MQ-9B Protector RG1 officially entered UK service on 17 June.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) announced the milestone, noting the significance of this first unmanned aircraft type that is cleared to operate in UK commercial airspace.

“In a historic first, the Protector RG1, the first Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) that is authorised to fly in UK airspace, has entered service with the Royal Air Force,” the RAF said.

The service continues to take delivery of its 16 new Protector aircraft at its home in the north of England at RAF Waddington, with 10 having so far been received (although three of these are being used for test and evaluation duties in the United States). UK flying to date has taken place under the supervision of 56 Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES), supported by 31 and 54 Sqns.

Aircrew training is being led by 54 Sqn as the operational conversion unit (OCU) for the RAF's wider intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) force at RAF Waddington. The 56 TES is also stationed at RAF Waddington, and as part of the Air Warfare Centre, it contributes to the operational development and optimisation of the RAF's Air Command and Control ISR (C2ISR) capabilities. Operational flying of the Protector RG1 will be performed by 13 and 31 Sqns.

The Protector RG1 will replace the GA-ASI MQ-9A Reaper in UK service later in 2025, with full operating capability (FOC) scheduled for 2026.