GA-ASI appoints retired RAF Air Vice-Marshal Tom Burke as UK VP

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has appointed retired Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Vice-Marshal Tom Burke as the Vice President of International Strategic Development for the United Kingdom. Based in the company’s London office, Burke will serve as the primary contact for current and prospective business with UK Defence and adjacent markets.

Burke brings 35 years of military experience, including roles as a Tornado pilot and MQ-9A Reaper Squadron Commander. His career included operational experience in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as leadership positions within NATO and U.S. forces. His final RAF role was as Air Officer Commanding No. 11 Group, where he was responsible for UK air operations globally and served as the UK’s Air Defence Commander.

The appointment follows the RAF’s integration of the Protector RG Mk1, a remotely piloted aircraft produced by GA-ASI that is based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian. The Protector fleet replaced the UK’s previous Reaper aircraft and received a UK Military Type Certificate in 2025.