RAF Retires MQ-9 Reaper After 18 Years, Welcomes MQ-9B Protector
The Royal Air Force has retired its MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) after nearly two decades of service. The Reaper first entered RAF service in 2007, supporting UK forces in Afghanistan and other conflict zones. It has been replaced by the MQ-9B Protector, an advanced version offering enhanced capabilities.
The MQ-9 Reaper's final operations were flown by XIII Squadron at RAF Waddington. Crews consisted of a pilot, sensor operator, and mission intelligence coordinator. Over its service, the Reaper completed over 173,000 flying hours, equivalent to almost 20 years of continuous flying, or traveling to the moon and back over 50 times.
The MQ-9B Protector, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is now being introduced into service by the Royal Air Force. It offers more than 40 hours of endurance, improved weapon systems, advanced sensors, and UK airspace operability. The Protector will undertake missions ranging from surveillance and search and rescue to armed operations alongside NATO partners.
Gp Capt Stu McAdam, Officer Commanding XIII Squadron, expressed pride in the MQ-9 Reaper's service and looked forward to the future with the MQ-9B Protector. Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, praised the MQ-9 Reaper's critical contributions to UK and Coalition forces over the past 18 years. The Protector is set to build on the Reaper's legacy, further enhancing the RAF's capabilities.
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