RAF Protector reaches 1,000 operational flying hours in Middle East

Less than a year after replacing the Reaper on operations, the RAF‘s Protector RG1 has reached 1,000 operational flying hours over the Middle East, marking a significant milestone for the service’s next-generation remotely piloted aircraft.

The achievement highlights how rapidly Protector has become a key intelligence and surveillance asset during a period of sustained instability across the region, providing critical information to UK commanders and allied partners.

The RAF said, “The achievement caps a busy first year in service, which has also included weapons certification and preparations for future maritime surveillance tasking.”

In RAF service, the Protector delivers intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support and has been instrumental in the Middle East during 2026’s heightened tensions and conflicts.

Air and Space Commander – Air Marshall Mark Flewin CBE said that it has “played a key role in supporting the protection of RAF personnel, UK allies, and partners, during the recent escalation in the Middle East by delivering critical overwatch and timely information to senior decision-makers.”

Protector RG1 replaces older MQ-9 Reaper drones

The remotely operated Protector RG1 is an evolution of the earlier MQ-9 Reaper drone and is a variant of General Atomics’ current MQ-9B SkyGuardian. The Protector first entered service in November 2025 and has replaced the Reaper in RAF service.

The former MQ-9A Reaper fleet peaked at ten aircraft and saw operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. The RAF has ordered a total of 16 new Protectors with ground control stations and support equipment.

Protector achieved another milestone in June 2026, when it flew from RAF Waddington to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus through European civilian airspace, something its predecessor was unable to do. Certification to NATO/UK military airworthiness standards is one of the type’s key advantages.

Based at RAF Waddington, they are extensively deployed abroad, including to RAF Akrotiri where they can carry out missions over the Middle East. They are remotely operated by RAF crews from the UK.

The Royal Air Force claims the Protector comes with an extended range and over 40 hours of endurance. It features UK-specific enhancements like improved data links and weapon payloads.

Roles and potential roles in RAF service

Protector utilises an advanced suite of technology to provide timely intelligence to decision-makers and represents the latest generation of remotely piloted medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft. Installed equipment allows it to carry out full-motion video, infrared imagery, synthetic aperture radar, and ground target tracking.

But the aircraft is moving beyond its core ISR role, with developments now allowing it to start carrying precision-guided weapons, including the MBDA Brimstone 3A and Raytheon UK Paveway IV. 

The aircraft have been seen fitted with SIGINT external pods, including “Outdragon“.

Besides the type’s current ISTAR and ground strike roles, potential roles include Military Aid to Civil Authorities (MACA), maritime surveillance, and search and rescue.