A Royal Air Force Reaper remotely piloted aircraft has eliminated a known Daesh terrorist in north-western Syria, according to a Ministry of Defence update released on 9 July 2025.
The strike took place on Tuesday 10 June during an armed reconnaissance mission over the Sarmada area. The Reaper crew, operating as part of Operation Shader, tracked the individual riding a motorcycle and waited until the area was clear of civilians before launching a successful Hellfire missile strike.
According to the update, RAF aircraft continue to fly regular patrols over Syria to counter persistent threats from Daesh elements. The use of precision unmanned platforms has enabled the RAF to maintain pressure on terrorist networks while minimising the risk to non-combatants.
This engagement reflects the UK’s ongoing commitment to the multinational campaign against Daesh, with operations focused on intelligence-led targeting of high-value threats. The RAF’s remotely piloted aircraft are controlled by crews operating from the UK and continue to play a central role in supporting coalition efforts across the region.
The drone
The General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, also known as the Predator B, is a combat-proven unmanned aerial vehicle used extensively by the United States Air Force and allied forces, including the United Kingdom. Unlike its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator, the Reaper is powered by a high-performance turboprop engine that allows for greater speed, longer endurance, and a significantly increased weapons payload. Operated remotely from ground stations, it is designed for both long-duration surveillance and precision strike missions.
Primarily intended for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, the MQ-9 also functions as a highly capable strike platform. It features seven external hardpoints and can carry a wide range of munitions, including Hellfire missiles, GBU-12 laser-guided bombs, and JDAMs. Some UK-operated variants have successfully tested the Brimstone missile.
The aircraft has a cruising speed of around 194 miles per hour and a range of up to 1,200 miles. With an endurance of 27 hours and the ability to fly at altitudes up to 50,000 feet, the Reaper provides sustained presence over the battlefield.
The Royal Air Force is replacing the MQ-9 Reaper with the Protector RG Mk1, a variant of the General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian. Designed to meet UK and NATO airworthiness standards, the Protector will offer significantly longer endurance of over 40 hours, along with all-weather capability and improved sensors for intelligence, surveillance and precision strike missions.
It will be certified to fly in civilian airspace, allowing for a wider range of domestic and international operations. The aircraft will carry UK-made weapons including the Brimstone missile and Paveway IV guided bomb, enabling high-precision strikes while meeting stringent rules of engagement.