RAF Retires MQ-9 Reaper After 19 Years; MQ-9B Protector Takes Over
The Royal Air Force (RAF) has retired its MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS), also known as the 'Grim Reaper' in some circles, after nearly two decades of service. The Reaper, which first entered service in 2007, will be replaced by the MQ-9B Protector, marking a significant advancement in remotely piloted airpower.
Gp Capt Stu McAdam, Officer Commanding XIII Squadron, expressed pride and sadness in retiring the MQ-9A Reaper from service. The Reaper fleet accumulated the equivalent of almost 20 years of continuous flying, comparable to traveling to the moon and back more than 50 times. Its final operational flight was completed by XIII Squadron at RAF Waddington, with crews consisting of a pilot, sensor operator, and mission intelligence coordinator.
The Reaper platform made its final flight after more than 173,000 flying hours in combat operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, praised the Reaper's critical capabilities and significant contribution to RAF operations. However, the Reaper will be replaced by the MQ-9B Protector before it is commissioned.
The Protector will undertake missions ranging from surveillance and search and rescue to armed operations alongside NATO partners. It offers more than 40 hours of endurance, improved weapon systems, advanced sensors, and the ability to operate in UK airspace.
The retirement of the MQ-9A Reaper marks the end of an era for the RAF, but the introduction of the MQ-9B Protector promises a step-change in remotely piloted airpower. The Protector's enhanced capabilities will further strengthen the RAF's operational capabilities and ensure it remains at the forefront of military aviation.
