RAF deploys Protector drones with Outdragon intelligence system to Cyprus

The United Kingdom's Royal Air Force has officially deployed its new Protector RG Mk1 drones to the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus. The aircraft are equipped with the Outdragon signals intelligence (SIGINT) system, marking its first confirmed operational use. The pod is designed to detect and geolocate targets by monitoring electromagnetic emissions from mobile phones, routers, and other communication devices across VHF, UHF, and SHF bands. According to documentation released by the UK Ministry of Defence, the system was procured via the US Foreign Military Sales programme in 2018 for $5 million. An additional $2.2 million contract was awarded for the integration of the technology into the RAF drone fleet. While the system became publicly known in 2024 following a Freedom of Information request by Drone Wars UK, the deployment follows the Protector RG Mk1’s entry into service in 2025. These new aircraft, based on the General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian, are replacing the older MQ-9A Reaper fleet. The deployment signifies an expansion of the RAF's electronic surveillance capabilities in the Mediterranean region.