GA-ASI Expands UK MoD Fleet with 13 New Protector RPAS Deliveries

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has activated the clause in its agreement with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to produce and supply 13 extra Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) that had been previously proposed as options. The original contract order was for three Protector RPAS, bringing the revised total to 16 Protectors scheduled for delivery to the UK MoD.

“Our squadron of 16 Protector aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art technology will furnish the Royal Air Force (RAF) with expansive global reach, enabling us to monitor and safeguard the battlefield for extended durations. The Protector initiative encompasses industry participation throughout the UK, with essential components of the aircraft crafted on the Isle of Wight, supporting highly skilled employment opportunities for the future,” stated Jeremy Quin, UK Minister for Defense Procurement.

GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian® serves as the foundational system being tailored for the RAF as the Protector RG Mk1. It features X-band satellite communications (SATCOM) and compatibility with UK weapon systems, along with onboard sensors like the electro-optical sensor ball and Lynx® Multi-mode Radar.

“This pledge for 13 additional unmanned aircraft reinforces the long-term trust of the UK MoD and the Royal Air Force in the MQ-9B system and the Protector program. The MQ-9B system is set to deliver unmatched reconnaissance capabilities to the RAF and bolster the security of the UK and its allies,” expressed Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI.

In July 2020, the UK MoD and GA-ASI proclaimed a production agreement for the initial three Protector RPAS. Subsequently, in September 2020, GA-ASI announced the completion of the first Protector-configured MQ-9B, which is currently supporting system testing as part of a joint UK MoD, U.S. Air Force, and GA-ASI test team. Designated as UK1, this inaugural Protector will be handed over to the MoD later this year, but will stay in the U.S. to finalize the Royal Air Force’s testing and evaluation program before moving to its UK home base in 2022.

“The agreement for the additional 13 Protector aircraft, raising the total to 16, marks a significant achievement for the UK. When Protector becomes operational in 2024, UK Defence will experience a substantial leap forward in operational capabilities, empowering us to engage globally with this advanced, highly versatile platform,” remarked Air Commodore Richard Barrow, Senior Responsible Owner for the RAF Protector Programme.

The collaboration between GA-ASI and the UK MoD also yields considerable advantages to UK aerospace and defense sectors. A notable example is GKN Aerospace, which is fabricating the advanced composite V-tails for the MQ-9B at its excellence center in Cowes, the Isle of Wight.

GA-ASI’s development of MQ-9B commenced in 2014 as a self-funded initiative to create an RPA that complies with the stringent NATO STANAG-4671 and UK DEFSTAN 00-970 aircraft system airworthiness standards. These standards form the basis for type certification by NATO member state military airworthiness authorities. The MQ-9B is designed to integrate the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid System (DAAS), facilitating the aircraft’s integration with the normal flow of aviation traffic while keeping operators connected with air traffic control.

The aircraft is constructed for performance in adverse weather conditions, featuring lightning protection, damage tolerance, and a de-icing system. MQ-9B boasts rapid integration of new payloads with nine hard points. The aircraft can self-deploy using SATCOM-enabled Automatic Takeoff and Landing, negating the need for forward-based launch-and-recovery equipment and personnel. Aside from the Protector and SkyGuardian configurations, MQ-9B is available as the SeaGuardian® – equipped with revolutionary anti-submarine and surface search capabilities – suitable for maritime operations.

MQ-9B has attracted significant attention from clients across the globe. Beyond the UK, SkyGuardian has been selected by the Australian Defence Force under Project Air 7003, and the Belgian Ministry of Defense has entered into a contract for SkyGuardian.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a subsidiary of General Atomics, is a foremost designer and producer of reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and associated mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar.

With over six million flight hours, GA-ASI offers long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft equipped with integrated sensor and data link systems essential for delivering persistent flight that enhances situational awareness and rapid response. The company also manufactures various ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, provides pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.