RAF Protector fleet grows as UK maritime surveillance role takes shape

The Royal Air Force is expanding its Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft fleet while developing a greater maritime-surveillance role for the MQ-9B-derived platform. Of 16 aircraft ordered, nine had reached RAF Waddington by November 2026, with additional deliveries expected through 2027 and two further aircraft registered to the UK military. Protector recently conducted its first operational surveillance activity in UK airspace, supporting observation of maritime movements alongside Royal Navy assets. Its long endurance and intelligence sensors could support wider maritime-domain awareness, but the article describes evolving roles and deliveries rather than the completion of the full fleet.