The US Department of Defense has awarded a contract worth approximately $10.8 million to Aeronautical Systems Inc., based in Poway, California, to provide sustainment support for the United Kingdom’s MQ-9B Protector drones, according to a contract notice.
The contract, awarded on 1 May 2025, is part of a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) agreement to support the Royal Air Force’s medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial systems. The notice states that the contract “will provide for sustainment support for the United Kingdom Royal Air Force.”
The work under the contract will be performed in Poway, California, and is scheduled for completion by 30 April 2028. According to the Department of Defense, “This contract involves FMS to the United Kingdom.”
The notice further clarifies that the contract was “a sole source acquisition,” indicating that Aeronautical Systems Inc. was the only provider considered suitable for this support work. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Medium Altitude Unmanned Aircraft Systems, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is identified as the contract activity. The contract is referenced under the identifier FA8689-25-C-B009.
Protector
The Protector RG Mk1, designated as the MQ-9B in the United Kingdom, represents the Royal Air Force’s next-generation remotely piloted air system (RPAS). Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., this medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) aircraft is set to replace the MQ-9A Reaper fleet.
The Protector is engineered to operate in both military and civilian airspace, thanks to its advanced ‘detect and avoid’ system, which allows it to integrate seamlessly with other air traffic. With an endurance exceeding 30 hours and the capability to fly at altitudes up to 40,000 feet, it offers enhanced intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. The aircraft is equipped with precision-guided munitions enabling it to perform a variety of missions ranging from close air support to disaster relief.
The UK’s Protector programme was initiated to provide a more capable and versatile RPAS that meets stringent NATO and UK airworthiness standards, specifically STANAG 4671 and DEFSTAN 00-970. In May 2025, the Protector RG Mk1 achieved a significant milestone by receiving the Military Type Certificate from the UK’s Military Aviation Authority, making it the first large unmanned aircraft to be certified for unrestricted operations, including over populated areas. The RAF plans to operate a fleet of 16 Protector aircraft, with deliveries ongoing and full operational capability expected by 2026.
RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire serves as the home base for the Protector fleet, where it is operated by 31 Squadron.
