Second RAF Protector Now Operating in Waddington

The United Kingdom's Royal Air Force (RAF) now has two Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) at RAF Waddington. The second Protector has begun its ground trials with its first flight expected in August. Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the Protector is a modified version of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®, tailored for the RAF. The RAF has received 10 of 16 ordered Protectors from GA-ASI, and eight are currently undergoing training and evaluation in the US.

GA-ASI's vice president of MQ-9B in Europe, Chris Dusseault, expressed enthusiasm for the Protector's operation at Waddington. Simon Holford, Uncrewed Air Systems Delivery Team Leader at Defence Equipment & Support, highlighted the significant progress on the project. Officer Commanding 31 Sqn, Wing Commander Maccoll, shared expectations for further aircraft arrivals before the end of the year.

Additionally, the first cadre of RAF aircrew completed training at GA-ASI's Flight Test and Training Center in North Dakota on April 29, 2024. Training focused on foundational skills for operating the Protector's equipment, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, and Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC). Number 31 Squadron also qualified 21 maintainers after completing the Protector Technicians course in Southern California on May 16, 2024.

The MQ-9B, GA-ASI's next-gen RPA System, boasts long endurance and range, with SATCOM-only control for auto takeoff and landing. Contracts for the MQ-9B have been signed with multiple countries, including Belgium, Canada, Taiwan, and the U.S. Air Force. The Japan Coast Guard and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) are also utilizing the MQ-9B for maritime operations.