Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon agrees £100M investment in Britain’s future “Projector” programme for RAF.
A new £100M contract has been agreed by Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, which will develop the cutting edge Protector Remotely Piloted Air System especially for RAF.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. will develop their current drone technology into new cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles for use by the Royal Air Force.
Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon said: “Britain faces ever-evolving threats and we must look at innovative solutions to stay ahead of our enemies. Doubling investment in our unmanned air fleet will substantially enhance both the intelligence gathering and firepower of the RAF.
“The UK’s security partnership with the US is the deepest and most advanced of any two nations on earth; this programme is part of a further strengthening which will help keep Britain safe and secure.”
The Projector will be include advanced imaging and enhanced datalink technology, as well as plans for it to be armed with UK-made Brimstone 2 missiles and Paveway IV laser-guided bombs.
Sir Michael Fallon is in the US as a keynote speaker at the annual Reagan National Defence Forum, in California, where he will meet US Secretary for Defence Ash Carter and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Dunford.
Chief Executive Officer of the MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support organisation, Tony Douglas, said: “Protector is a highly advanced system which will use world-beating technology to give us a decisive advantage on the battlefield. This contract signature is not only great news for our armed forces, but demonstrates how the strong relationship between UK Defence and our allies helps to ensure best value for the taxpayer.”
Improving on the current Unmanned Aerial Vehicle capability, the next generation Projector will offer improved range and endurance, greater weapons capacity, automated take-off and landing and better resistance against the elements.
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Defence Equipment & Support General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. MOD Protector Remotely Piloted Air System RAF
Post written by: Abigail Burr
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