MBDA’s Brimstone for UK Protector
MBDA has received a contract for the integration of the Brimstone high-precision strike missile onto the Royal Air Force’s (RAF's) Protector RG Mk1 aircraft, the company announced on 24 January.
Protector, developed and manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, can carry three lightweight Brimstones per weapon station. With Brimstone, the Protector RG Mk1 will be able to engage high-speed moving and manoeuvring targets, including maritime fast attack craft.
James Allibone, UK sales director, MBDA, said: ‘Protector RG Mk1 is the third UK air platform to benefit from the unmatched capabilities of the Brimstone missile, providing UK armed forces with vital operational advantages and sovereign defence capabilities. Brimstone is unique in its ability to be carried by platforms in all domains, land, sea and air, providing a common weapon that delivers both operational and cost benefits.’
Protector RG Mk1 is the weaponised version of MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAS.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market
The UAV market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with innovations in technology and battlefield applications driving demand across military sectors. From the battlefields of Ukraine to NATO exercises and beyond, drones are transforming how wars are fought and supported.
-
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.