In a historic first, the Protector RG Mk1, the first Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) that is capable of flying in UK Airspace, has entered service with the Royal Air Force.
This programme milestone was reached following extensive test and evaluation, led by 56 Squadron with 31 Squadron providing engineering and support services. Protector recently completed a flight from RAF Waddington to RAF Marham through UK Airspace.
Further testing will be completed over the summer prior to the planned transition from the RAF’s Reaper platform to Protector later in 2025. The Protector programme will deliver a cutting edge RPAS for the UK, replacing the current Reaper capability, and will be the first remotely piloted aircraft of this type capable of flying in the UK in all classes of airspace.
“I welcome our newest aircraft into service with the Royal Air Force. I am delighted that the RAF’s Protector has reached this significant and historic milestone on its journey to conducting operations. Getting to this stage has been a whole force effort, working closely with our industry partners. I would like to thank all those who have been involved in the programme, and I know they will continue to work tirelessly towards achieving full operating capability.”
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
Protector introduces a unique and long-endurance capability to UK Defence, specialising in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance as well as strike operations. When operational, this advanced system can be deployed globally with minimal on-site support, making it highly versatile for various missions.
Remotely piloted from RAF Waddington, it can operate at heights up to 40,000 feet and has an endurance of over 30 hours. RAF Waddington is also the home to the UK’s Protector Training Facility, housing elements of the UK NATO Flight Training Europe facility and managed by 54 Squadron.
The first Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS) and simulators have been delivered and installed at RAF Waddington. The first Air Vehicle (AV) was delivered in Sep 2023. There are currently four AVs in the UK with a further six being used for test and evaluation in the USA. All expected AV deliveries will be completed in 2025.