UK Seeks $1 Billion Deal for Remotely Piloted Aircraft
LONDON - Up to 26 Certifiable Predator B remotely piloted vehicles could be purchased by Britain’s Royal Air Force according to a US State Department notification to Congress of the proposed Foreign Military Sales deal.
The British have requested the purchase of 16 General Atomics Certifiable Predator B vehicles along with an option for another 10, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency statement said. Twelve ground stations, with an option for a further four, and other equipment are also included in the proposed deal valued at $1 billion. The intention to purchase the machines was part of the 2015 strategic defense and security review. At the time it didn't detail the numbers, only saying more than 20 would be acquired.
The new vehicles will offer better endurance, more external stores stations and other benefits compared with the 10 General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted vehicles currently being operated by the Royal Air Force. The Reaper fleet is currently part of a larger RAF force striking terrorist targets in Iraq and Syria.
The new machines, currently in development, should also be able to operate in UK airspace, something the Reaper is not cleared to do. The armed Certifiable Predator, to be known as the Protector in British service, will replace the present Reaper fleet.
Subject to congressional approval, contract signature by the two sides is expected to be completed by early next year said a Ministry of Defence spokeswoman. The sale is the latest in a string of recent FMS deals with the British including Apache AH-64E attack helicopter and P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft purchases.