The US-designed MQ-9B, seen here in the latest SkyGuardian/Protector variant, has achieved significant sales success in Europe

The UK’s decision to opt for the SkyGuardian platform will see it acquire a civil airspace-capable MALE UAV ahead of its mainland Europe counterparts

The unveiling of Eurodrone platform in 2018 was accompanied by much fanfare, although development is already staring to slip

The four partner nations have approved the development of the Eurodrone through their respective parliaments

Airbus executive vice president of military aircraft Jean-Brice Dumont and Leonardo’s director general Lucio Valerio Cioffi at the recent contract signature for the Eurodrone programme

The Eurodrone will not be armed, instead being used purely for ISR missions