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, 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-9A Reaper – has completely assumed all of the capabilities of its predecessor.