The UK’s air and space force is on its way to incorporating autonomous aircrafts into its fleet. Protector is a new uncrewed aircraft capable of carrying out global surveillance and strike operations. It has a wingspan of 79ft and can operate at heights up to 40,000ft. It also has an endurance of more than 30 hours. 

The first of this new line of aircraft will begin a series of tests at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire this week, with a view to joining the fleet in late 2024. 

The aircraft is expected to undertake a wide range of tasks, including land and maritime surveillance to track threats, counterterrorism and support to UK civil authorities, such as assisting HM Coastguard with search and rescue missions.