Quick decision context for procurement relevance and maturity.
This refers to the initial UK Ministry of Defence contract awarded to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in July 2020 for the manufacture and delivery of 3 Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAS, based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian) and associated ground stations to the Royal Air Force, valued at 65,000,000 GBP. The Protector provides long-endurance reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike capabilities with global reach, supporting RAF operations; this order was later expanded to 16 aircraft.
Includes option for 13 more aircraft and 4 ground stations, later exercised.
https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/protector-rg-mk1-mq-9b-rpas-united-kingdom/