also includes a completely redesigned & modernized integrated ground control station with 4 crew stations. On 28 November 2019, the Australian Government announced the selection of the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) MQ-9B Sky Guardian as its preferred version of the Predator B for the RAAF's Project AIR 7003 MALE armed remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) requirement. The SeaGuardian is a proposed version of SkyGuardian but also fitted with Multimode 360 Maritime Surface Search Radar and Automatic identification system (AIS). Protector In April 2016, the United Kingdom announced that it intended to place an order for the Certifiable Predator B as part of its Protector MALE UAV program for the Royal Air Force. According to the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the Royal Air Force will operate at least 20 Protector systems by 2025, replacing all of the ten MQ-9A Reapers. On 15 July 2018, a GA-ASI Company-owned MQ-9B SkyGuardian was flown from the United States to RAF Fairford in the UK for the first transatlantic flight of a MALE UAV. It was displayed at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) air show, where the aircraft was given markings of No. 31 Squadron. This followed an announcement by the RAF's Chief of Air Staff that No. 31 Squadron would be the first RAF Squadron to operate a similar version of the MQ-9B aircraft, to be known as the Protector RG Mark 1 (RG1), starting in 2023. In July 2020, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract for three Protector UAVs with an option on an additional thirteen aircraft. It was announced in September 2021 that No. XIII Squadron will become the second Protector squadron. Protector will be able to carry up to 18 Brimstone 2 missiles or Paveway IV bombs. Operators French Air and Space Force (Armée de l'air et de l'espace) Cognac – Châteaubernard Air Base, Charente Escadron de Drones 1/33 Belfort Indian Navy – 2 on lease since Nov. 2020. INS Rajali, Tamil Nadu Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) Amendola Air Base, Province of Foggia 32° Stormo 28° Gruppo Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily 32° Stormo 61° Gruppo Volo Japan Coast Guard - At least one SeaGuardian in operational use since October 2022. Royal Netherlands Air Force – 4 on order as of 2020, 4 more to be ordered in 2022 Leeuwarden Air Base, Friesland No. 306 Squadron Spanish Air and Space Force Talavera la Real Air