UK Royal Air Force deploys Protector drone to monitor Russian vessels

The British Royal Air Force has utilized the Protector RG Mk1 unmanned aerial vehicle for the first time to monitor a Russian military transport vessel near the English coast. Operating over the English Channel for the past month, the drone provided over 10 hours of reconnaissance and surveillance coverage in coordination with Royal Navy ships and helicopters.

The UK Ministry of Defence reported a 25% increase in Royal Navy monitoring of Russian vessels during the first seven months of 2026 compared to the previous year. This increased activity follows observations of Russian vessels near critical UK undersea infrastructure.

In response, London plans to invest an additional £330 million over four years into seabed monitoring, maritime intelligence, and anti-submarine capabilities. Military commanders have warned that transport vessels could use remote-controlled devices to launch rapid attacks against infrastructure, emphasizing the need for enhanced early warning systems and increased aerial and maritime patrols.