The appointment brings a former Tornado pilot and Reaper squadron commander into GA-ASI’s British operation while the RAF introduces the company’s latest remotely piloted aircraft.
Protector is a version of GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian tailored to British requirements and has replaced the UK’s Reaper.
“Tom brings a distinctive perspective as a former Tornado pilot and MQ-9A Reaper Squadron Commander, with combat experience on both types — providing valuable insights in today’s conflict environment,” said Aria Mahdion, regional vice president at GA-ASI.
Burke held command positions at squadron, wing and two-star operational levels during 35 years in the RAF.
His flying career included operations over the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan alongside NATO and U.S. forces.
Burke also worked within the U.S. military as an instructor at the U.S. Air Force Staff College and as director of the 609th Air Operations Center in Qatar.
He later served as vice director of operations at U.S. European Command headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.
Burke’s final RAF post was Air Officer Commanding No. 11 Group, where he was responsible for British air operations worldwide and served as the UK’s Air Defence Commander.
