Inzpire, a provider of defence training services in the UK and part of the QinetiQ Group, has won a three-year contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), becoming the first UK defence company to instruct on the MQ-9B remotely piloted air system.
Inzpire’s training helps to prepare the next generation of MQ-9B crews and instructors for frontline operations, significantly enhancing operational capability and readiness across NATO’s European defence network.
Royal Air Forces Protector RG Mk1 conducting its first flight in the UK skies from RAF Waddington on 17th November. UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024
Inzpire’s instructor teams are recruited from across NATO nations, including the UK and United States, for their expertise in RPAS operations and instructional delivery. The initial contract has been awarded via NSPA within the MQ-9B International Cooperative Partnership (MICP) and includes two Inzpire instructor crews with scope to expand to up to 37 crews.
Following the path set by the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) initiative, this is a concrete step in support of a coordinated, effective and partner-driven flight training solution for MQ-9B in NATO, delivered by NSPA’s Alliance Ground Surveillance and Unmanned Aerial Systems Programme, which supports the MICP.
Inzpire’s instructors are embedded with 54 Squadron, which is accredited by NFTE to deliver MQ-9B training. This is based at RAF Waddington, where Inzpire already delivers operational training programmes, including the design, development and execution of the RAF’s live flying combat air exercise, Exercise COBRA WARRIOR, and the RAF’s Gladiator synthetic training system at the Air Battlespace Training Centre.
Wing Commander Stu Phillips, Officer Commanding 54 Squadron, RAF said:
“54 Squadron is delighted to welcome Inzpire and looks forward to expanding Protector training delivery in support of the UK and NATO Flight Training Europe customer base. Building on an established and highly effective partnership, Inzpire brings a breadth of expertise that will enhance the delivery of Protector training, directly supporting UK and partner‑nation, front‑line operations.”
Jonny Smith, Managing Director, Inzpire said:
“This contract marks an important milestone in our continued growth as a trusted training partner to the UK Armed Forces and NATO, building on our proven track record delivering synthetic and live flying training across a range of frontline military platforms at individual, team and collective levels.
Inzpire’s expertise will increase training capacity for NATO MQ-9B and RAF Protector crews, while allowing military personnel to focus where they are needed most – on the frontline.”
Dr. Stergios ISAAKIDIS, NSPA, AGS & UAS Programme Manager said:
“This contract brings essential training capacity to 54 Squadron with a clear view to provide training solutions to the wider MQ-9B Partnership. Joint training programmes are also a foundational element that enables multinational operations.”
Top Photo: Group photo of the INSPIRE team from 54 Sqn in front of the Protector in 3 hangar of 31 Sqn at RAF Waddington. Taken on the 17/04/2026.
Source: Inzpire