Protector RG1 Completes UK Weapons Qualification Testing

Protector RG1 Completes UK Weapons Qualification Testing

GA-ASI announced that qualification testing for the MQ-9B, to carry the Paveway IV guided bomb and Brimstone 3 missile was completed on Jun. 18, 2026, though notably Paveway IV has already been seen on the aircraft. Announced on the first day of Farnborough International Airshow 2026, the news brings some clarity to questions over whether the Protector RG1 – which is flying operational missions with the Royal Air Force in place of the retired MQ…

RAF Protector cleared to carry Paveway IV and Brimstone

The Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1 has completed weapons qualification testing, with both the Paveway IV laser-guided bomb and the Brimstone 3 air-to-surface missile cleared for launch from the remotely piloted aircraft, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has announced at the Farnborough International Airshow. Testing concluded on 18 June at the company’s facilities in Southern California, bringing to an end a six-year collaboration betwee…