Written Question·Ministry of Defence·UIN 107733
Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement
Tabled: 22 January 2026
Answered: 30 January 2026
Question
James Cartlidge
Conservative — South Suffolk
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the MQ-9B Protector has reached Initial Operating Capability.
Answer
Luke PollardProtector RG Mk1 has yet to reach Initial Operating Capability programme milestones. Protector has already deployed on operations and is providing valuable Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance support.