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The remotely piloted aircraft (RPAS) formula will provide critical surveillance capability and can be supplied with precision attack weapons, the Defense Ministry said. The aircraft can be deployed anywhere in the world while being controlled from an RAF base in Lincolnshire.

This resolution comes at a time of tension between London and Moscow.

Last month, Vladimir Putin accused the UK of setting up a “complex provocation” after HMS Defender sailed off the coast of Crimea, annexed to Russia.

Downing Street rejected the Kremlin’s comments and said the warship made an innocent passage through Ukrainian territorial waters in accordance with foreign law.

The deal for thirteen other Protector aircraft was announced through Defence Minister Jeremy Quin after a stopover at GKN Aerospace’s site on the Isle of Wight.

A £195 million contract will bring the number of Protector aircraft the RAF will have to 16.

Protector can succeed at heights of 40,000 feet and can fly up to 40 hours.

It will upgrade the Reaper RPAS force and is expected to be supplied with advanced knowledge links and bring next-generation low collateral precision attack weapons.

Mr Quin said: “Our fleet of 16 generation-equipped Protector aircraft will provide the RAF with extensive global success by allowing us to monitor and protect the war area for hours.

“The Protector programme is reaching out to the industry across the UK with significant aircraft parts made on the Isle of Wight, supporting highly professional jobs for years to come. “

The program will involve 12 UK partners and up to 200 jobs, with £ 400 million reinvested in the industry.

The first 3 aircraft were ordered in 2020 and two have been completed and are lately being evaluated in the United States.

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The first delivery of to the RAF will take place in 2023 and is expected to be deployed the following year.

The main owner of the Protector programme, Air Commodore Richard Barrow, described the expanded fleet as an “important milestone” for Britain.

He said: “The contract for the thirteen additional Protector aircraft, bringing the overall one to 16, is a milestone for the UK.

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“When Protector enters service in 2024, UK Defense will take a big leap forward in terms of capacity, giving us the ability to operate globally with this highly adaptable platform. “

Defence and Support Team CEO Sir Simon Bollom added: “I am very pleased that the acquisition of thirteen additional Protector aircraft has been confirmed, allowing us to give the RAF the increased capacity needed to function well in the fashionable combat space.

One occasion he will take up a position later this year in Lincolnshire before taking part in EXERCISE JOINT WARRIOR at RAF Lossiemouth.