UK pushes on with Protector fleet expansion
Protector RG Mk 1 UAV. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
The UK orders 13 more MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAVs from General Atomics for the RAF, despite criticism over the cost of the programme.
The UK MoD has exercised a contract option with General Atomics for 13 additional Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B SkyGuardian) UAVs, despite a recent report from the National Audit Office (NAO) that criticised the cost of the RAF procurement programme.
UK defence procurement minister Jeremy Quin announced the £195 million ($268.28 million) deal on 22 July.
Twelve UK defence companies will have workshare — for example, GKN Aerospace will be responsible for manufacturing some components.
The first three Protector aircraft were ordered in 2020; the initial pair is now currently undergoing test and evaluation in the US. The first aircraft delivery to the RAF will be in 2023 with entry into service the following year, the MoD announced on 22 July.
Quin claimed: ‘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.’
However, in its report published on 24 June, the NAO highlighted Protector as the MoD procurement programme with the largest cost increase, adding that IOC is delayed by more than two years.
Figures showed that Protector costs shot up by 74% between its initial cost evaluation and the year of acquisition approval.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
-
![FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities]()
FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities
The USAF’s Next-Generation Aerial Refuelling Programme is coming under scrutiny in the wake of the Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request, signalling a change in how the force could prioritise the modernisation of its tanker fleet.
-
![Can laser-guided rockets and light aircraft help tackle the CUAS cost-curve?]()
Can laser-guided rockets and light aircraft help tackle the CUAS cost-curve?
While the move to integrate lower-cost missiles onto more combat aircraft is long overdue, there is also an opportunity for cheaper turboprop platforms to perform CUAS roles.
