The British Royal Air Force (RAF) has begun operational testing and crew training to deploy the MQ-9B Protector RG1, which will replace the MQ-9A Reaper in military missions.
The new aircraft, which has received certification to operate in civilian airspace, was officially added to the fleet in June 2025 and is expected to enter service by the end of the year, a minor delay compared to initial projections.
The Protector will be used in Operation Shader, the UK’s military intervention against the extremist group Daesh in Iraq and Syria. Since 2014, Reapers have operated continuously in the region, conducting surveillance missions and strikes with guided missiles and bombs. In recent years, the offensive has decreased in intensity due to Daesh’s weakening, but monitoring remains necessary to prevent potential regrouping of the group.
In addition to missions in the Middle East, the new drones will be able to operate directly from the UK, something impossible for the Reapers. This will also allow their use in military and civilian tasks, such as maritime surveillance and search and rescue operations.
A total of 16 units have been ordered by the RAF, and the Royal Navy is considering adopting an adapted version to replace the current early airborne warning system on aircraft carriers.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @RoyalAirForce | This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team
The RAF’s latest Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS), the Protector RG Mk1, has started deployed assurance testing and operator training in preparation for its replacement of Reaper’s operational role within Op Shader. pic.twitter.com/tPQvf8KWj3
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) September 3, 2025
