In the (good) news section of raf.mod.uk today.
The remaining 13 of the 16 promised, the first two are 'undergoing undergoing test and evaluation in the US'. I'm waiting for the nervous Nellies to react to ' It therefore will also be available, if requested, to support civilian agencies in the UK,'
£195m contract signed for 13 additional RAF Protectors
A £195 million contract for a further 13 cutting-edge Protector aircraft has been signed. Defence Minister Jeremy Quin announced the new contract during a visit to GKN Aerospace, who are manufacturing key parts of aircraft on the Isle of Wight.
Protector is a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System that will provide critical surveillance capability for the RAF and will be equipped with a suite of surveillance equipment and precision strike weapons to deploy against potential adversaries around the globe, all while being operated from RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.
16 aircraft have now been ordered from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc and are expected to enter service with the RAF by mid-2024, doubling the capability currently provided by Reaper. The investment also includes four additional ground control stations and associated support equipment.