UK to Scrap MQ-9 Reaper Drones Instead of Sending Them to Ukraine

The UK government has ruled out transferring MQ-9 Reaper drones to Ukraine, and the aircraft are expected to be decommissioned soon.

The UK Defence Journal reported on this.

Liberal Democrat MP James McCleary had asked the government to clarify whether the drones could be supplied to Ukraine following recent changes to U.S. export control policy.

He also requested information on whether the MQ-9 Reapers would be scrapped, sold, or transferred to another country once retired.

In two written replies, Defence Minister Al Carns stated that transferring the drones to Ukraine is not being considered.

He emphasized that the disposal of the drones will be carried out in accordance with foreign military sales regulations.

This announcement came shortly after one of the British Reapers completed its final flight.

The MQ-9 drones were introduced into service in 2007. They supported the UK’s operations in Afghanistan and later logged over 173,000 flight hours during Operation Shader.

The Reapers are gradually being replaced by the MQ-9B Protector, which is already reaching initial operational capability.

Unlike its predecessor, the Protector RG1 is capable of performing not only military missions but also civilian tasks.

The first aircraft of this type was delivered to the Royal Air Force in October 2023. In total, the UK Ministry of Defence has ordered 16 of these drones.

The key feature of the Protector is its integrated weapons system from the British company BAE Systems, which enables it to deploy Paveway IV guided bombs and Brimstone 2 multi-purpose missiles.