The first NATO graduates from the new Protector (MQ-9B) training establishment received their graduation patches during a ceremony at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire.
The purpose of the Protector Managers’ Course is to provide Engineering Managers with air system knowledge so that they can make engineering decisions on the airworthiness of Protector.
The graduates from the RAF and the Belgian Air Force have undergone a theoretical and practical overview of the Certifiable Ground Control Station and Air Vehicle in addition to programme updates from Force Headquarters.
NATO Flight Training Europe is one of NATO’s High Visibility Projects to ensure that the Alliance is able to train aircrews to meet the security challenges of today and of the future. The cooperation between Belgium and the UK regarding MQ-9B training is an example of sharing training capacity to not only meet shared defence priorities, but to also enhance interoperability between Nations.
These are the first NFTE patches that have been awarded to trainees on completion of a course at an NFTE training campus, and we hope to be able to present many more in the future as our cooperation continues.
Group Captain Rich Long
Protector International Lead & Chair MIC SP
RAF Waddington is at the forefront of future Intelligence aviation platforms, with Protector taking to the skies to conduct its ongoing test and evaluation programme, under the supervision of 56 (Test & Evaluation) Squadron, supported by 31 & 54 Squadrons, prior to service with the RAF.
The Protector programme will deliver a cutting edge Remotely Piloted Air Systems for the UK, replacing the Reaper capability, and will be the first remotely piloted aircraft of this type capable of flying in the UK in all classes of airspace.
The first Certifiable Ground Control Station and simulator have been delivered and installed at RAF Waddington and the first Air Vehicle (AV) was delivered in September 2023. There are currently four AVs in the UK with a further three being used for test and evaluation, in the USA.
Protector introduces a unique and long-endurance capability to UK Defence, specialising in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance as well as strike operations. This advanced system can be deployed globally with minimal on-site support, making it highly versatile for various missions.
Controlled remotely from RAF Waddington, Protector can fly at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet and has an endurance of over 30 hours flying time. Beyond its current operational roles, similar to those of the Reaper, Protector will be capable of operating within UK civilian airspace, supporting Military Aid to Civilian Authorities tasks.
In total, the UK is investing in 16 Remotely Piloted Air Systems for the RAF. Capable of operating anywhere in the world, RAF Waddington will be the home of the force, and the site of launch and recovery to support domestic training as well as a NATO Flight Training Establishment for training of international partners.
