MQ-9B SeaGuardian

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has signed a logistics and sustainment agreement with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) for the Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) system. The new contract, titled the UK Protector Availability and Support Solution (UK PASS), will ensure continued maintenance and support for the RAF’s fleet of Protector drones, which are based on GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian.

UK MOD signs support deal with General Atomics for RAF’s Protector drone fleet

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has signed a logistics and sustainment agreement with General Atomics for the Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) system.

General Atomics has revealed a new airborne laser weapon system integrated on the MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial vehicle. The technology was presented at the Sea-Air-Space 2025 defence exhibition and marks a significant advancement in directed energy weapons for airborne platforms.

General Atomics showcases airborne laser weapon on MQ-9B SeaGuardian at Sea-Air-Space 2025

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

General Atomics has revealed a new airborne laser weapon system integrated on the MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial vehicle.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has successfully tested new software that enables the MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aircraft to receive in-flight target updates. This development will allow the UAS to more effectively pursue and engage maritime targets in real time.

General Atomics enhances MQ-9B SeaGuardian with in-flight targeting software

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has successfully tested new software that enables the MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aircraft to receive in-flight target updates.

The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF) now has two Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operating at RAF Waddington. The second Protector has started its ground trial at RAF Station Waddington with first flight expected in August. Protector is based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPA developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), and is specially configured for the RAF. The RAF has taken delivery of 10 of their total order of 16 Protectors from GA-ASI, with eight aircraft currently undergoing RAF crew training, test, and evaluation in the United States.

GA-ASI: second RAF Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft now Operating in Waddington

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF) now has two Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operating at RAF Waddington.

GA-ASI, in cooperation with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), conducted a series of tests on GA-ASI’s Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) using the MQ-9B SeaGuardian Unmanned Aircraft System.

GA-ASI tests sonobuoy dispensing System with MQ-9B SeaGuardian

Sea / By Defence Industry Europe

GA-ASI, in cooperation with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), conducted a series of tests on GA-ASI’s Sonobuoy Dispensing System (SDS) using the MQ-9B SeaGuardian Unmanned Aircraft System.