RAF drone tracks Russian vessels in the Channel

Conflict · First reported 31 Oct, 22:30 · Updated 23:10

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

An RAF Protector RG1 spent more than 10 hours monitoring Russian vessels in the English Channel, in the first operational Channel deployment of an RAF remotely piloted aircraft. The operation took place alongside Royal Navy ships and helicopters, while the Daily Mail’s brief report foregrounded experts’ warning about possible Russian drone attacks.

The unarmed RAF drone monitored Russian vessels in the Channel for more than 10 hours; the Ministry of Defence said it was the first operational deployment of an RAF remotely piloted aircraft there.
The operation involved Royal Navy ships and helicopters, and formed part of monitoring activity in the Channel, North Sea and waters west of Scotland.
The Daily Mail report said the news followed experts’ warning that Russian vessels could deploy remote-controlled aircraft in a mass attack on the UK.

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Key facts

Aircraft: Unarmed RAF Protector RG1 remotely piloted aircraft
Flight duration: More than 10 hours
Location: English Channel
Other forces involved: Royal Navy warships and helicopters
Wider monitoring period and area: Late September to mid-October; the Channel, North Sea and waters west of Scotland