The RAF’s remotely piloted air system, the Predator MQ-9 Reaper, has notched up a landmark 20,000 operational flying hours over Afghanistan. Reaper force has repeatedly proven itself, both in combat and as eyes in the skies for front line troops and military commanders on the ground.

Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Phil Osborn, said: “The RAF’s Reaper force has proven itself time and again in combat and is an essential element of the RAF’s combat intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capability.”

“The real-time, day and night video coverage of the battle space, combined with the extensive use of onboard radar, provides a unique, cost effective and sustained capability that enhances the safety of troops on the ground.”

Reaper was introduced in October 2007, and, with its array of high-tech sensors and precisionguided weapons, it can carry out a wide range of missions to support forces in Afghanistan. It can gather pre-raid intelligence on target compounds, assist in countering IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and provide surveillance for routine patrols and supply convoys.