The Royal Air Force’s next-generation uncrewed aerial system (UAS), the Protector RG1—based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian—has commenced its first known overseas deployment. The milestone marks a significant operational step for the UK’s remotely piloted air systems (RPAS) program as it transitions from Reaper to a more capable and NATO-compliant platform.
Protector RG1 Heads to the Middle East
According to multiple defense sources and confirmed by open-source flight tracking data, at least two RAF Protector RG1 aircraft were deployed from RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire to an undisclosed location in the Middle East in mid-October 2025. The aircraft were accompanied by a Voyager tanker for aerial refueling support during their transit.
This is the first publicly known overseas mission for the Protector fleet since its entry into service earlier this year. The aircraft are believed to be operating in support of ongoing UK commitments in the region—potentially linked to Operation Shader or broader ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) missions across Iraq or Syria.
From Reaper to Protector: A Major Capability Leap
The Protector RG1 is based on General Atomics’ MQ-9B SkyGuardian platform—a significant evolution of the MQ-9A Reaper that has been in UK service since 2007. Unlike its predecessor, the MQ-9B is designed from inception to meet NATO STANAG 4671 airworthiness standards for integration into civilian airspace.
Key enhancements include:
- Extended endurance: Up to 40 hours of flight time compared to ~27 hours for Reaper.
- All-weather capability: De-icing systems and improved weather resilience.
- Collision avoidance: Due Regard Radar enables safer operation in mixed-use airspace.
- Civilian airspace compliance: Certified for beyond-line-of-sight operations over Europe and other regulated zones.
- Payload flexibility: Compatible with Paveway IV precision-guided bombs and Brimstone missiles.
The RAF plans a total fleet of up to 16 Protectors under Project Airseeker/Protector. Initial operating capability (IOC) was declared earlier this year with full operating capability (FOC) expected by late 2026 or early 2027. The aircraft are operated by No. XIII Squadron at RAF Waddington.
A Strategic Asset for ISR and Precision Strike
The timing of this deployment aligns with growing regional tensions and renewed focus on persistent ISR capabilities across CENTCOM’s area of responsibility. With its long endurance and multi-role payload capacity, Protector offers a strategic surveillance asset capable of covering vast areas without requiring forward basing or frequent rotations.
The aircraft’s modular sensor suite includes high-definition EO/IR cameras, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), ground moving target indicator (GMTI), and signals intelligence packages depending on mission configuration. This allows it not only to identify targets but also conduct pattern-of-life analysis over extended periods—critical for counter-insurgency or counter-terrorism operations.
If armed during this deployment—which has not been officially confirmed—the Protectors could deliver kinetic effects using Brimstone missiles or Paveway IV bombs with high precision while minimizing collateral damage risks.
A New Era of RPAS Integration
The MQ-9B-based Protector represents one of few UAS platforms globally certified for routine operations within controlled civilian airspace—a key differentiator as NATO allies seek greater RPAS integration into joint exercises and peacetime operations within Europe’s congested skies.
This certification opens doors beyond traditional battlefield use cases. In addition to military ISR roles, future applications could include border surveillance, maritime patrols under NATO frameworks, disaster response coordination via real-time imagery feeds, or even search-and-rescue support—all while complying with ICAO regulations.
Industry Partners and Program Timeline
The UK Ministry of Defence awarded General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) a £500 million contract in July 2020 for delivery of up to sixteen Protectors along with associated infrastructure upgrades at RAF Waddington. GA-ASI partnered with Leonardo UK and Raytheon UK for integration work including Brimstone compatibility and ground control station development respectively.
The first production-standard aircraft arrived at Waddington in September 2023 after extensive testing at GA-ASI facilities in California. Since then, crews have undergone conversion training while infrastructure such as satellite uplinks and hangars were brought online under Project Proteus—the enabling program behind full operational rollout.
