Brimstone planned for Protector UAS

Plans are underway for UK’s Protector UAS is to be armed with the Brimstone precision strike missile when it enters service with the Royal Air Force, MBDA announced on 8 December.

The integration plan is included as part of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Main Gate selection of the aircraft and, if agreed, the missile will be integrated and fielded in line with the UAS' introduction to service.

MBDA is working with the UK MoD, US Department of Defence and Certifiable Predator B/Protector UAS manufacturer, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI), towards a programme which would see the missile undergo integration onto the UAS with trials and firings towards the end of the decade.

Brimstone completed a series of trial firings on MQ-9 Reaper during early 2014 that saw the weapon engaging 70mph and manoeuvring targets with extreme precision. The missile will give Protector the ability to strike fast moving, manoeuvring targets with both man in the loop post launch guidance and also autonomous post launch all weather capabilities. 

James Allibone, UK sales and business development director, said: ‘Brimstone offers customers the ability to have one missile that can operate across their fleet of operational aircraft, whether they are jets, [UAS] or helicopters. One missile for all platforms means customers benefit from simplified and more efficient training, logistics and inventory management as well as Brimstone’s outstanding precision against the most challenging of targets.’