RAF's Protector RG1 Drones Conduct First Confirmed Combat Missions Over Middle East
- MM24 News Desk
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Royal Air Force MQ-9B Protector RG1 unmanned aircraft have begun operational missions over the Middle East, with flight tracking data confirming sorties from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus across Israel and Jordan toward Iraq and Syria. The advanced drones have almost certainly assumed the intelligence and strike role previously handled by MQ-9A Reaper aircraft in the ongoing Operation Shader campaign against Daesh remnants.
The confirmation comes after weeks of speculation about when the Protector RG1 would fully replace the retired Reaper fleet. Flight tracking data from ADS-B Exchange shows aircraft PR010 conducting two separate missions on November 4 and November 6, following initial training sorties over the Mediterranean Sea south of Cyprus. This marks the first publicly verified combat deployment of the UK's next-generation drone system.
While the exact nature of these initial missions remains unclear, the Protector RG1 represents a substantial capability upgrade over its predecessor. The MQ-9B variant boasts redundancy levels typically reserved for manned aircraft, including lightning protection systems, fire suppression, and anti-icing equipment. These features allow the drone to operate in unsegregated airspace alongside commercial and military aircraft—a significant advantage over previous systems.
The transition from Reaper to Protector has been closely watched by defense analysts, particularly since the Reaper's withdrawal at the end of September left questions about continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) coverage in the region. Unlike the Reapers, which operated from Kuwait without appearing on public flight tracking, the Protectors are now visibly operating from RAF Akrotiri, suggesting a different operational approach.
"We do not yet know if these missions have been flown using armed aircraft or have been purely dedicated to ISR," reported The Aviationist, which first noted the Protector's arrival at Akrotiri in October. While airstrikes have become increasingly rare as Daesh lost territory, the Reaper fleet conducted two strikes against known terrorists in Syria during its final month of operation, demonstrating that the combat mission continues.
The Protector RG1 brings several critical advantages to the ongoing campaign. With a stated endurance of over 40 hours and greater maximum take-off weight, the aircraft can carry more sophisticated sensor packages or remain on station significantly longer than the Reaper. The RAF has procured advanced intelligence equipment for its drone fleet, including the 'Outdragon' SIGINT system and undisclosed flat panel antennas observed on the forward fuselage.
Perhaps most significantly, the Protector is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing RAF weapons systems. Unlike the Reaper, which relied on American-made Hellfire missiles and GBU-12 Paveway II bombs, the Protector will eventually deploy the same Brimstone 3 missiles and Paveway IV bombs used by the RAF's Typhoon fleet operating from the same base. This commonality simplifies logistics and training while enhancing operational flexibility.
The deployment comes as Operation Shader continues into its eleventh year, having commenced in 2014 to combat the Daesh threat in Iraq and Syria. While the mission has evolved from intensive combat operations to more focused counterterrorism activities, the need for persistent surveillance and precision strike capability remains critical.
The Royal Air Force's Protector program represents a substantial investment in next-generation unmanned capabilities. The UK has designated the aircraft as RG1—Reconnaissance, Ground Attack, Mark 1—following traditional naming conventions. The fleet uses specially assigned serial numbers beginning with PR for Protector, with observed airframes including PR009, PR010, and PR011 operating from Akrotiri.
As the Protector establishes its operational presence, questions remain about weapons integration status and the full suite of sensor capabilities currently deployed. What is clear, however, is that the RAF has successfully transitioned to a more capable, flexible, and survivable platform for its persistent Middle East surveillance and strike mission—one that can operate alongside manned aircraft in increasingly crowded airspace while providing commanders with enhanced situational awareness and response options.
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