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The UK Ministry of Defence has signed the UK Protector Availability and Support Solution (UK PASS) contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to provide logistics, maintenance, spares, ground control stations, and synthetic training for the Royal Air Force's Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft system, derived from the MQ-9B SkyGuardian platform. This sustainment agreement transitions the program from testing and development to operational readiness and crew training, leveraging a shared global Contractor Logistics Support model for cost efficiency and economies of scale. Strategically, it enhances the RAF's unmanned aerial surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities amid broader UK defense commitments, including drone support to Ukraine.
Direct Commercial Sale for logistics and maintenance of Protector RG Mk1 RPA, Certifiable Ground Control Stations, and Synthetic Training Systems. Signed 09 June 2025.