Defence · Kit & capability · 7 November 2026
RAF Protector drone reaches 1,000 operational flying hours
The Royal Air Force has confirmed that the Protector RG1 Mk1 drone has completed 1,000 operational flying hours. The aircraft first operated in November 2025 and is part of the RAF's ISTAR fleet.
Royal Air Force has announced that the Protector RG1 Mk1 (MQ-9B) remotely piloted aircraft has reached a milestone of 1,000 operational flying hours. The drone, which is a medium-altitude, long-endurance platform, first operated in November 2025. It forms part of the RAF's Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance fleet.
The aircraft has begun carrying precision-guided weapons, according to the announcement. Louise Sandher-Jones MP, Minister for Armed Forces, said: "Protector is a powerful example of the future of the RAF, harnessing cutting-edge technology to give our Armed Forces a vital operational advantage." The drone provided intelligence during the recent escalation in the Middle East.
Air Marshall Mark Flewin CBE, Air and Space Commander, noted that the Protector has proven to be a vital asset since its first operational flight in 2025. The success of the platform is attributed to the highly skilled personnel who operate and maintain it. No specific future deployment dates or additional limits on its use were stated in the announcement.
Written by StreetOwl from Royal Air Force’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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