Aviation News – The Royal Air Force has retired its MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System after 18 years of service, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter with the advanced MQ-9B Protector.
The Reaper, which entered service in 2007, has been a cornerstone of UK air operations, supporting missions in Afghanistan and later contributing to Operation Shader against Daesh in Iraq and Syria. Over nearly two decades, the fleet logged more than 173,000 flying hours—roughly equivalent to 50 round trips to the moon—before officially standing down.
Replacing the veteran aircraft, the MQ-9B Protector represents a significant leap in capability. The Protector boasts over 40 hours of endurance, advanced sensor technology, and enhanced weapons systems. Notably, it is the first of its kind to be certified to operate safely within UK civil airspace, allowing greater flexibility in training and operational deployment.
Air Vice-Marshal Lincoln Taylor, Air Officer Commanding 11 Group, said: “Reaper’s retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary contribution to UK defence. Protector will now take that legacy forward, delivering greater capability, endurance, and precision in support of our allies.”
Looking ahead, the Protector is expected to play a central role in future RAF missions, from intelligence and surveillance to search and rescue and combat operations alongside NATO partners. Its integration marks a decisive step toward more advanced, autonomous, and interoperable air systems.
The transition from Reaper to Protector underlines the RAF’s ongoing modernization drive, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and future-ready airpower in a rapidly evolving global security environment.
Photo RAF
