The testing ended June 18 at GA-ASI facilities in Southern California. The company announced the milestone at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 20, 2026.
GA-ASI said the campaign concluded a six-year collaboration involving U.S. and UK government and industry teams. It also marked the first time the company led weapons qualification work for a customer.
The testing was conducted under UK Ministry of Defence approval. GA-ASI said it met all requirements for certification of safe weapons carriage and release.
“The Royal Air Force is our MQ-9B launch customer and we’re here to support them in any way we can,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “Leading the qualification test was a unique experience and we’re excited to complete the process so successfully for the RAF.”
Protector RG Mk1 is based on GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian. The Royal Air Force continues to receive new Protector aircraft at RAF Waddington.
“The completion of U.S.-based safe-separation weapons testing is a landmark achievement for the Protector RG Mk1. It demonstrates not only the maturity of the platform, but also the ability of the programme to integrate advanced weapons with a cutting-edge, certified remotely piloted air system, delivering benefits to both the UK and our partners,” said RAF Programme Director, Group Captain Rob Evans.
“Protector will provide operational commanders with persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, combined with highly precise strike capability, ensuring that the United Kingdom remains equipped to meet evolving security challenges in an increasingly complex security environment.” The qualification adds strike weapons to a platform designed for long-endurance remotely piloted operations.
In 2025, Protector received a Military Type Certificate from the UK’s Military Aviation Authority. GA-ASI said it was the first large unmanned aircraft system to receive that distinction.
That certification allows Protector to operate without geographic restrictions. It also permits operations over populated areas, expanding how the aircraft can be used in UK service.
For the RAF, the completed weapons work moves Protector closer to its planned operational role. The aircraft will combine persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance with precision strike using Paveway IV and Brimstone 3.
