Protector RG Mk1 Drone Enters British Air Force to Enhance Strike and Surveillance Operations
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According to information published by the Royal Air Force on June 17, 2025, the Royal Air Force has officially brought the Protector RG Mk1 into service, marking a significant development in the United Kingdom’s aerial capabilities. It is the first Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) authorized to operate in British airspace, establishing a benchmark for operational flexibility and regulatory compliance.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Protector RG1, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), is the certifiable variant of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, specifically designed for use in controlled civilian airspace. (Picture source: British Royal Air Force)
This milestone follows a comprehensive testing and evaluation phase led by 56 Squadron, with technical and logistical support provided by 31 Squadron. The aircraft completed a mission between RAF Waddington and RAF Marham, demonstrating its integration into national operational structures. Additional testing is planned over the summer ahead of the full transition from the MQ-9 Reaper to the Protector, expected in 2025. The programme introduces a new generation of drones capable of operating across all categories of UK airspace.
The Protector RG1, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), is the certifiable variant of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, specifically designed for use in controlled civilian airspace. This capability extends its mission profile to include both military and civil operations such as search and rescue, border surveillance, and disaster response. The Royal Air Force has received four aircraft, while three others are currently undergoing testing in the United States. Engineers from 31 Squadron have completed assembly and ground testing, allowing 56 Squadron to begin operational evaluation. With a 48-hour endurance and a maximum altitude of 12,000 meters, the Protector RG1 is equipped with an advanced suite of ISTAR sensors, including EO/IR systems, synthetic aperture radar, and electronic intelligence components, enabling precise surveillance and target acquisition.
Armed with Brimstone 3 precision-guided missiles and Paveway IV laser-guided bombs, the Protector RG1 also serves as an effective strike platform, providing a multi-role operational capability. The UK Ministry of Defence plans to acquire 16 aircraft, all to be stationed at RAF Waddington, which will serve as the central hub for launch, recovery, and crew training. The base will also host allied personnel through NATO’s training programme, reinforcing the UK’s role in multinational defense cooperation. As part of the UK’s multi-domain operations strategy, the Protector RG1 offers persistent ISR coverage, global reach, and precision strike capabilities aligned with contemporary conflict requirements.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff, described the aircraft’s induction into service as a milestone, emphasizing the collaborative effort between military units and industry partners. Operated remotely from RAF Waddington, the aircraft can reach an altitude of 12,000 meters and maintain flight for over 30 hours, supporting global missions with minimal ground logistics. Its roles include surveillance, intelligence gathering, target acquisition, reconnaissance, and precision engagement, aligning with its assigned strategic objectives.
RAF Waddington is also home to the dedicated Protector Training Facility, managed by 54 Squadron and part of the UK’s NATO flight training programme. The facility is equipped with the first certifiable Ground Control Stations and next-generation simulators. The first aircraft was delivered in September 2023; four are currently based in the UK, and six others are undergoing testing in the United States. Delivery of all ten aircraft is expected by 2025, in line with the RAF’s schedule for achieving full operational capability.
The entry into service of the Protector RG Mk1 represents a structural evolution in the UK’s defense framework. Certified for unrestricted flight in national airspace, featuring long endurance and advanced multi-mission capabilities, it is set to replace the Reaper and signals the transition to a new era of unmanned combat aerial systems.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
According to information published by the Royal Air Force on June 17, 2025, the Royal Air Force has officially brought the Protector RG Mk1 into service, marking a significant development in the United Kingdom’s aerial capabilities. It is the first Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) authorized to operate in British airspace, establishing a benchmark for operational flexibility and regulatory compliance.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Protector RG1, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), is the certifiable variant of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, specifically designed for use in controlled civilian airspace. (Picture source: British Royal Air Force)
This milestone follows a comprehensive testing and evaluation phase led by 56 Squadron, with technical and logistical support provided by 31 Squadron. The aircraft completed a mission between RAF Waddington and RAF Marham, demonstrating its integration into national operational structures. Additional testing is planned over the summer ahead of the full transition from the MQ-9 Reaper to the Protector, expected in 2025. The programme introduces a new generation of drones capable of operating across all categories of UK airspace.
The Protector RG1, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), is the certifiable variant of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, specifically designed for use in controlled civilian airspace. This capability extends its mission profile to include both military and civil operations such as search and rescue, border surveillance, and disaster response. The Royal Air Force has received four aircraft, while three others are currently undergoing testing in the United States. Engineers from 31 Squadron have completed assembly and ground testing, allowing 56 Squadron to begin operational evaluation. With a 48-hour endurance and a maximum altitude of 12,000 meters, the Protector RG1 is equipped with an advanced suite of ISTAR sensors, including EO/IR systems, synthetic aperture radar, and electronic intelligence components, enabling precise surveillance and target acquisition.
Armed with Brimstone 3 precision-guided missiles and Paveway IV laser-guided bombs, the Protector RG1 also serves as an effective strike platform, providing a multi-role operational capability. The UK Ministry of Defence plans to acquire 16 aircraft, all to be stationed at RAF Waddington, which will serve as the central hub for launch, recovery, and crew training. The base will also host allied personnel through NATO’s training programme, reinforcing the UK’s role in multinational defense cooperation. As part of the UK’s multi-domain operations strategy, the Protector RG1 offers persistent ISR coverage, global reach, and precision strike capabilities aligned with contemporary conflict requirements.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff, described the aircraft’s induction into service as a milestone, emphasizing the collaborative effort between military units and industry partners. Operated remotely from RAF Waddington, the aircraft can reach an altitude of 12,000 meters and maintain flight for over 30 hours, supporting global missions with minimal ground logistics. Its roles include surveillance, intelligence gathering, target acquisition, reconnaissance, and precision engagement, aligning with its assigned strategic objectives.
RAF Waddington is also home to the dedicated Protector Training Facility, managed by 54 Squadron and part of the UK’s NATO flight training programme. The facility is equipped with the first certifiable Ground Control Stations and next-generation simulators. The first aircraft was delivered in September 2023; four are currently based in the UK, and six others are undergoing testing in the United States. Delivery of all ten aircraft is expected by 2025, in line with the RAF’s schedule for achieving full operational capability.
The entry into service of the Protector RG Mk1 represents a structural evolution in the UK’s defense framework. Certified for unrestricted flight in national airspace, featuring long endurance and advanced multi-mission capabilities, it is set to replace the Reaper and signals the transition to a new era of unmanned combat aerial systems.
