Published 22 July 2021
A further 13 world-leading Protector aircraft will be built for the RAF after DE&S signed a £195-million contract with industry.
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The first three of the UK’s Protector aircraft were ordered from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. last year and that contract included options for the remainder of systems required by the UK.
Meanwhile, the first two Protector aircraft have been completed and, whilst they have not yet been delivered to the UK, are flying in the US as part of the test and evaluation phase of the programme.
First delivery to the UK is expected later this year but the aircraft will remain in the US for continued use on the test and evaluation phase of the programme.
Protector, which will replace the current Reaper Force when it is introduced to the front-line, is considered a step change in capability for the RAF.
The cutting-edge platform will be capable of being flown anywhere in the world while being operated by personnel located at their home base at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire where it will enter service by mid-2024.
The initial production contract, awarded to General Atomics last summer, saw the company build the first three innovative Protector aircraft, as well as three ground control stations and other associated equipment.
These contract amendments now order the balance of 13 aircraft, four ground control stations and other support equipment to complete the current planned fleet of 16 aircraft which will more than double the capability provided by Reaper.
Sir Simon Bollom, DE&S CEO, said:
“I am delighted the purchase of a further 13 Protector aircraft has been confirmed enabling us to ensure the RAF will have the increased capability needed to operate effectively in the modern battlespace.”
Protector will have to meet stringent NATO and UK safety certification standards meaning it could operate in civilian airspace.
Protector will be deployed in wide-ranging Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations where its ability to fly consistently for up to 40 hours, offers the RAF vastly improved armed ISTAR capability.
It would also be available, if requested, to support civilian agencies in the UK, for example in search and rescue and disaster response missions.
Charlie Hazeldean, Head of Remotely Piloted Air Systems, said:
“I am delighted the purchase of a further 13 Protector aircraft has been confirmed enabling us to ensure the RAF will have the increased capability needed to operate effectively in the modern battlespace.”
The aircraft will use enhanced data links and carry next-generation, low collateral, precision strike weapons – the UK-made Brimstone missile and Paveway IV Laser Guided Bomb.
The fleet will also have advanced anti-icing and lightning protection, providing the RAF with unprecedented flexibility to operate in adverse weather conditions.
The first Protector aircraft will be delivered in 2021 but will remain in the US to be utilised in the test and evaluation phase of the programme. The first aircraft delivery to the RAF will be in 2023.
Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin has visited GKNA’s Cowes site to see first-hand how the programme benefits UK industry as they manufacture the V-tails for Protector.
Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said:
“Our fleet of sixteen Protector aircraft equipped with ultra-modern technology will provide the RAF with a vast global reach allowing us to monitor and protect the battlespace for hours on end.
“The Protector programme involves industry across the UK with vital parts of the aircraft manufactured on the Isle of Wight, supporting highly-skilled jobs for years to come.”
The commitment to a 16-strong Protector fleet was outlined in the Defence Command Paper and is supported by the £24 billion uplift to the defence budget over the next four years.
With 12 UK industry partners, the programme is bringing together world-leading technology and service providers to work with GA-ASI, supporting over 200 UK jobs with £400 million being reinvested into UK industry.
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