UK Protector RG Mk1 Production

The 'UK Protector RG Mk1 Production' contract, awarded to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) by the UK Ministry of Defence, is for manufacturing and delivering 16 Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS)—based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian—for the Royal Air Force (RAF). It includes an initial order of three aircraft plus options for 13 more, seven ground control stations, and support equipment, enabling Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Reconnaissance (ISTAR), strike missions with UK weapons like Brimstone and Paveway IV, and operations in civil airspace due to detect-and-avoid technology. The initial £65 million contract value expanded with options, supporting enhanced RAF capabilities.