The British Army has ordered the delivery of three "Defenders"

Announced in 2018 by the UK Department of Defense, the re-equipment with the new Protector attack drone (English - "defender") has finally been continued. According to the defensenews.com portal, the British military department has concluded a contract with General Atomics for the supply of the first three drones this model.

According to the signed agreement, in the first stage, the British army will receive three strike drone Protector and three ground control stations. The first drone will be ready in 2021, but the Defenders will be put into service only in 2024. All this will cost 80 million dollars. At the same time, it is specified that the agreement provides for an option for another 13 drones.

Under the name Protector, the British army will receive Certifiable Predator B RPA drones (an improved version of the Predator B, aka the MQ-9 Reaper), developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Initially, it is planned to adopt 16 drones, which will replace the existing 10 units of the MQ-9 Reaper (eng. - "reaper"). At the same time, the UK Ministry of Defense is considering increasing the order to twenty “Defenders”.

Protector model differs from the basic version of MQ-9 Reaper by its reinforced design, elongated wing, and increased protection against external damage (collision with birds, lightning strikes). In addition, the new drones have an extended flight time (from 27 to 40 hours) and are equipped with nine points for suspension of weapons.

In addition, the new drone can be used in the "civilian" airspace thanks to a special system of avoiding collisions in the air, which will be initially installed on the Protector under the terms of the contract.

Comments

[Same lech]

The tandem reconnaissance or strike reconnaissance drones + artillery showed themselves perfectly in Syria, Libya ... something the British realized late.

[Grazdanin]

I mean late? They already have the MQ9 in service. We don’t even have anything close. Britain has launched its fighter-driven UAV program. They are in trend, unlike us. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/34498/united-kingdom-will-decide-soon-who-will-build-its-first-loyal-wingman-drones

[Same lech]

Let's see what they get ...
The MQ9 is developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems ... the British just bought it from the US ... do they have anything of their own production?

[Grazdanin]

Quote: The same LYOKHA

Do they have anything of their own production?

This question is interesting only in Russia. Modern technology is assembled from components produced in dozens of countries. The F35 is a prime example, an American aircraft with accessories from around the world.

[Same lech]

This question is interesting only in Russia.

Well, why ... the Turks created their drone, the Chinese and ours, too, are slowly swinging.

[Cyril G ...]

Quote: Grazdanin

Growing up is interesting only in Russia.

Not only. For everyone who has at least some kind of sovereign foreign policy.

[Hydrography Bay Golden Horn]

The best UAV in the world, Britons are being prepared

[Maki maki]

Everyone is getting ready

[Maki maki]

It is planned to adopt 16 drones, which will replace the existing 10 units of the MQ-9 Reaper

It is not clear only why replace it? Better to complement. Or is it a trade-in like that? Although, we’re better.

[Grazdanin]

Either the news was not written correctly or the resource is exhausted by rippers. In 24 years, 16 years in the ranks will be.