Updates on the UK's RPAS modernisation plan discussed at the UAV Technology 2021 Conference

In recent news, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace from the UK MoD set out a Defence Command Paper that described the threats the UK are facing, the operating concept for countering them, and the investments in the forces that are required to deliver the nation’s defences.

One of the key investment areas will be to develop combat drone swarm technologies as the importance of Unmanned Aerial Systems becomes more apparent. In addition, the UK's counter-terrorism operations are currently supported by nine Reaper RPAS (‘drones’) which will be replaced by Protectors by 2024 that is vital for enhanced strategic ISR and strike capabilities. *

SMi Group are delighted to host the 6^th annual UAV Technology conference, taking place in London on 27^th-28^th September 2021, which will feature key host nation presentations from the British Army, DE&S UK MoD, and the Royal Air Force.

For those interested in attending the conference, there is an early bird discount of £100 when you registerby 30^th June 2021. Register at www.uav-technology.org/pr2.

The list of presentations delivering updates on the UK's RPAS modernisation plans include:

1. Developing Watchkeeper Policy for Future Military Deployments

• Results from the Integrated Defence Review on the Watchkeeper Program
• An overview of the UK’s RPAS Development Policy
• Challenges to future RPAS development

Brigadier John Collyer, Senior Responsible Officer Watchkeeper Program, British Army

2. Eye in the Sky: The Watchkeeper UAV and ISTAR Capabilities

• The Watchkeeper’s ISTAR capabilities and further acquisition strategies
• “Human in the loop” autonomy for UAV systems
• Multi-role mission capabilities through a modular design
• Training and Simulating – Creating bespoke training programmes for UAV operators
• Lessons from the problems surrounding testing and steps to achieve full operating capacity

Colonel Gavin Rundle, Commander Watchkeeper Force, British Army

3. The UK Approach to Certifying Military RPAS with a Focus on Protector

• A review of tailoring certification to class of RPAS
• An overview of the UK Military Aircraft Certification Process (MACP)
• An update on the Protector MQ-9B RPAS Certification Programme
• ‘International by Design’ – multi-national certification for other MQ-9B Users
• Robust testing and experimentation – How the DE&S and its military partners enable comprehensive testing and experimentation

Colonel Paul Hughes, RPAS Strategic Chief Engineer and TAA, DE&S, UK MoD

4. The Future of the Royal Air Force’s RPAS Capabilities – The Protector

• An overview of the Protector RPAS capabilities and how these capabilities will strengthen the operational requirements of the RAF
• The next steps of the integration and implementation of the Protector system into the RAF
• Objectives and early results from the 2021 Protector demonstrations
• UK Defence Industry engagement with developing the Protector RPAS

Wing Commander Neil Hallett, PM Remote Piloted Air Systems Protector and Reaper, Royal Air Force

The full brochure, agenda and speaker line-up is available at www.uav-technology.org/pr2

UAV Technology

27^th – 28^th September 2021

London, UK

Gold Sponsor: Leonardo | Sponsors: Mynaric, PBS Velka, Weibel Scientific

SMi Group offer direct access to key decision makers through tailored sponsorship and exhibitor packages. Please contact Justin Predescu on +44 (0) 20 7827 6130 or email jpredescu@smi-online.co.uk.

For all delegate enquiries, contact James Hitchen on +44 (0) 20 7827 6054 or email jhitchen@smi-online.co.uk.

*source: gov.uk

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About SMi Group:

Established since 1993, the SMi Group is a global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops, Masterclasses and online Communities. We create and deliver events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries. We pride ourselves on having access to the world’s most forward-thinking opinion leaders and visionaries, allowing us to bring our communities together to Learn, Engage, Share and Network. More information can be found at http://www.smi-online.co.uk.