What is planned to replace the Reaper?

What is planned to replace the Reaper?

• A. The MQ-9 Reaper II
• B. The Protector drone
• C. Global Hawk
• D. SkyGuardian

Answer: (B)

The plan is to replace the Reaper with the Protector drone, which is the UK designation for the MQ-9B Sky Guardian platform. The Protector is designed to take over the same roles—ISR and strike—while offering extended endurance, enhanced sensors, and better survivability in contested airspace. The underlying aircraft is the MQ-9B, but in UK service it’s called Protector, distinguishing it from the earlier Reaper. The other options either point to an upgraded version of the same family, a different system with a distinct mission profile, or the same platform under a different name, so they don’t match the planned replacement.

The plan is to replace the Reaper with the Protector drone, which is the UK designation for the MQ-9B Sky Guardian platform. The Protector is designed to take over the same roles—ISR and strike—while offering extended endurance, enhanced sensors, and better survivability in contested airspace. The underlying aircraft is the MQ-9B, but in UK service it’s called Protector, distinguishing it from the earlier Reaper. The other options either point to an upgraded version of the same family, a different system with a distinct mission profile, or the same platform under a different name, so they don’t match the planned replacement.