MEDIA ADVISORY - Farnborough Press Conference - UK Industry Capabilities and Contributions to the Future of MQ 9B SkyGuardian - Tuesday 17 July

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by Tirek

Media advisory for the Farnborough press conference on Tuesday, 17 July, 2 p.m. local time (GMT+1) at the Navigator Farnborough Media Center. The briefing and subsequent Q&A will cover the future requirements and capability linked to MQ-9B SkyGuardian, following the successful trans-Atlantic flight conducted in 10–11 July 2018, including plans for media engagement with GA-ASI, the Royal Air Force, and industry partners. Additional information highlights GA-ASI’s RPA systems and the MQ-9B PROTECTOR programme details.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Media Advisory

Event details (WHAT/WHEN/WHERE/WHO)

Background and invitation to media

About GA-ASI

MQ-9B PROTECTOR factsheet

+1 (858) 524-8108 [ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com](ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com) MEDIA ADVISORY WHAT: Farnborough Press Conference – UK Industry Capabilities and Contributions to the Future of MQ 9B SkyGuardian WHEN: Tuesday, 17 July. 2 p. m. local time (GMT+1) WHERE: Navigator Farnborough Media Center WHO: --Wg Cdr Neil Towers, Programme Manager for Reaper and Protector, Royal Air Force--David R. Alexander, President , General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.--Alastair Morrison, Deputy Managing Director UK, Leonardo--Dean Mason, Director Business Strategy and Development , Raytheon UK--Jim Goodbourn, Vice-President Sales and Business Development , Cobham--James Allibone, UK Sales & Business Development Director, MBDA--Roeland Aarts, Director Business Development , GKN-Fokker (tentative) MORE INFO: Following the successful trans-Atlantic flight of MQ-9B SkyGuardian on 10-11 July 2018, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) , the Royal Air Force and our industry partners invite media to meet with the team to discuss the future requirements and capability that will be required to meet the evolving needs of the RAF and NATO allies. The press conference is scheduled to begin at 2 p. m. GMT+1 with a 30-minute briefing by the panelists followed by a question and answer session. For more information about MQ-9B SkyGuardian and its trans-Atlantic flight from the U.S. to RAF Fairford, please visit [http://www.ga-asi.com/trans-atlantic-flight](http://www.ga-asi.com/trans-atlantic-flight. For any)[. For any](http://www.ga-asi.com/trans-atlantic-flight. For any)[ ](http://www.ga-asi.com/trans-atlantic-flight. For any)questions, please send an email [to](to ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com)[ ](to ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com)[ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com](to ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com). \#\#\# ABOUT GA-ASI: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is the leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multimode Radar. With more than five million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. Predator, Reaper, and Lynx are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. MQ-9B PROTECTOR Remotely Piloted Air System Factsheet MQ-9B PROTECTOR The United Kingdom is investing in MQ-9B PROTECTOR, the world’s first certified Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) and a leap in capability compared to existing alternatives. As a 5th Generation capability, the aircraft is synonymous with the RAF as an organisation that occupies the cutting edge of technological advancement. It will be piloted utilising Beyond Line of Sight satellite communications by two frontline squadrons, supported by a dedicated UK based Operational Conversion Unit (OCU), all commanded by the ISTAR Force Commander. The platform will deliver a unique range of operational effect and will additionally contribute to a broad array of Homeland defence tasks, such as Military Aid to Civil Authorities. MQ-9B PROTECTOR is based on the General Atomics (GA-ASI) SkyGuardian aircraft, but with bespoke UK modifications. Benefiting from our special partnership with the United States, the UK is the lead customer, enacting a unique hybrid commercial sale agreement with GA-ASI and the US government. The aircraft is designed to meet NATO and UK certification standards, a requirement to fly in unsegregated airspace, and it is architecturally designed to facilitate tactical interoperability with ou

FAQs

When and where is the Farnborough press conference scheduled?

It is scheduled for Tuesday, 17 July at 2 p.m. local time (GMT+1) at the Navigator Farnborough Media Center.

What is the focus of the press conference?

The briefing and Q&A focus on future requirements and capability associated with MQ-9B SkyGuardian, including discussion of evolving needs for the RAF and NATO allies after the trans-Atlantic flight.

Who will participate in the conference panel?

The advisory lists representatives including Wg Cdr Neil Towers (Royal Air Force), David R. Alexander (General Atomics Aeronautical Systems), Alastair Morrison (Leonardo), Dean Mason (Raytheon UK), and others from Cobham, MBDA, and GKN-Fokker.

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by Tirek