Over nearly two decades, Reaper aircraft have accumulated more than 173,000 flying hours, equivalent to travelling to the moon and back over 50 times. The system is now being replaced by the advanced MQ-9B Protector, which offers greater range, endurance, improved weapon systems, and certification to operate in UK airspace.
Protector can remain airborne for over 40 hours and is equipped with sophisticated sensors to support missions including surveillance, search and rescue, and armed operations alongside NATO allies. The transition marks a significant enhancement in the RAF’s remotely piloted capabilities.
“Over the last 18-years, the Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System has been the backbone of RAF operations in the Middle East. Its capabilities have been critical in supporting UK and Coalition forces, and it has made a significant contribution to the RAF’s ability to be Agile, Integrated and Ready to fly and fight. Amassing an astonishing number of operational flying hours, I am incredibly proud of all of the RAF personnel that have been involved in its highly skilled operation over so many years,” said Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth.
Most recently, Reaper missions were flown by XIII Squadron, whose crews—comprising a pilot, sensor operator and mission intelligence coordinator—are based at RAF Waddington in the UK. The aircraft continued to operate regularly in the Middle East until its retirement.
“It is a great honour to command XIII Squadron at this historic time. It is with a heavy heart but immense pride to have flown our last mission and retire the MQ-9A Reaper from Service following 18 years of continuous operations. I am extremely proud of the people on XIII Squadron and the Whole Force that support us, and I wish to pay tribute to them, and their families, for their exceptional contribution to UK Defence. With the introduction of the MQ-9B Protector, the future is certainly bright for XIII Squadron and the wider Remotely Piloted Air System enterprise; I have full confidence they will continue to deliver operational excellence for the RAF ISTAR Force,” said Group Captain Stu McAdam, Officer Commanding XIII Squadron.
