Ukrainian AN-124 aircraft delivered the first modernised Protector RG Mk1 drone for the Royal Air Force to the UK
The first Protector RG Mk1 unmanned aerial vehicle has landed on the territory of the UK. It was delivered by the Ukrainian transport aircraft An-124.
Here's What We Know
The UK received the drone about a year ago, but it remained in the US. In the spring, the UK Royal Air Force began training operators at the Flight Test and Training Centre in New Jersey. The facility is owned by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).
Crews in Southern California loaded a cargo aircraft with the Royal Air Force's first Protector remotely piloted aircraft for its journey to the UK. pic.twitter.com/IYbngKGLRf
- GA-ASI (@GenAtomics_ASI) September 29, 2023
The United Kingdom has ordered 16 drones to replace the MQ-9 Reaper. The drone, received last week, travelled to Waddington base and will be commissioned late next year, with initial operational capability scheduled to be achieved by 2025.
The Protector RG Mk1 is a modernised version of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, which is based on the MQ-9A Reaper. The new unmanned aerial vehicle is designed to meet the unique requirements of the British military service.
Source: GA-ASI
