Decision to delay UK's MQ-9B Protector programme cost £186 million
An MQ-9B SkyGuardian, known in the UK as Protector, pictured at RAF Waddington. (Photo: UK MoD/ Crown Copyright)
The Ministry of Defence's decision to delay the MQ-9B Protector programme by two years has cost the country £186 million, with total projected whole-life costs now at over £1.7 billion.
A decision by the UK MoD to delay the MQ-9B Protector remotely piloted air system (RPAS) by two years has added £186.8 million ($226.51 million) to the bill.
Overall, the programme's cost has increased by £325.6 million, enough to buy three F-35B fighter jets.
The increase is equivalent to roughly the cost of eight MQ-9Bs, based on Shephard Defence Insight's estimated flyaway unit cost of $37.8 million per RPAS. However, this does not factor in through-life and sustainment costs.
Additional costs feeding into the £325.6 million increase are £64.6 million to change the primary sensor on the aircraft to avoid
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Apache AH-64E fires Spike long-range missiles]()
Apache AH-64E fires Spike long-range missiles
The Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Spike, a multi-purpose EO missile system, can attack targets at ranges up to 25km and has been test-fired from an Apache AH-64E attack helicopter.
-
![Taiwan completes F-16 upgrade programme as delivery timeline of new jets remains in doubt]()
Taiwan completes F-16 upgrade programme as delivery timeline of new jets remains in doubt
The Taiwanese air force has completed its six-year-long F-16 upgrade programme as the country awaits delivery of 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighter jets.
-
![Embraer C-390 triumphs in South Korea's transport aircraft competition]()
Embraer C-390 triumphs in South Korea's transport aircraft competition
Embraer's C-390 Millennium has secured a contract with South Korea, outperforming industry rivals such as Lockheed Martin and Airbus, marking a pivotal moment as the nation is set to become the first C-390 customer in Asia.
-
![Irish C295 MPAs fitted with Viasat SATCOM terminals]()
Irish C295 MPAs fitted with Viasat SATCOM terminals
The terminals enable secure, reliable satellite connectivity and support a range of command, control and communication needs for the C295 aircraft, which have roles in maritime patrol, tactical transport, special operations and medical evacuation.
-
![South Korea orders F-35 fighter munitions]()
South Korea orders F-35 fighter munitions
The US has greenlit a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to South Korea, entailing a package of F-35 ammunition valued at around $271 million.
-
![Lithuania orders three Airbus H145 helicopters for various roles]()
Lithuania orders three Airbus H145 helicopters for various roles
Lithuania has secured a deal with Airbus Helicopters for three H145M multi-mission aircraft for special forces operations and other roles, as part of the country's attempt to strengthen its defence capabilities.
