- GA-ASI appointed retired RAF Air Vice-Marshal Tom Burke as vice president of international strategic development for the United Kingdom.
- Burke brings 35 years of RAF experience, including command positions and senior assignments with U.S. and NATO forces.
- He will support ongoing and future business with UK Defence and adjacent markets.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has appointed retired Royal Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Tom Burke as vice president of international strategic development for the United Kingdom, adding a former senior RAF operational commander to its leadership team supporting the company’s UK business.
What Role Will Tom Burke Take at GA-ASI?
In the new position, Burke will serve as GA-ASI’s primary contact for current and prospective business with UK Defence and adjacent markets. He will be based at the company’s London office, GA-ASI said Thursday.
“Tom brings a distinctive perspective as a former Tornado pilot and MQ-9A Reaper Squadron Commander, with combat experience on both types — providing valuable insights in today’s conflict environment,” Aria Mahdion, regional vice president for GA-ASI.
Mahdion added that Burke’s experience as a senior RAF leader and his regional background will support the company’s engagement with its UK customers.
What Does the Appointment Mean for GA-ASI’s UK Business?
The appointment comes as the RAF operates the Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft produced by GA-ASI. Protector replaced the UK’s Reaper fleet and is based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, which GA-ASI customized to meet UK requirements.
The aircraft received a UK Military Type Certificate in 2025, becoming the first large unmanned aircraft system to receive that certification and enabling operations without geographic restrictions, including over populated areas.
The company’s June 2025 sustainment agreement further established a long-term support framework for the RAF fleet, while the 2026 weapons qualification milestone expanded Protector’s potential mission set.
What Military Experience Does Tom Burke Bring to GA-ASI?
Burke spent 35 years in the RAF and held command positions at the squadron, wing and two-star operational levels.
His operational flying career included deployments and missions over the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan while working alongside NATO and U.S. allies. He also served in several roles involving close cooperation with the U.S. military.
His assignments included serving as an embedded officer with the U.S. military, instructing at the U.S. Air Force Staff College and serving as director of the 609th Air Operations Center in Qatar. He later became vice director of operations at Headquarters U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany.
Burke’s final RAF assignment was Air Officer Commanding No. 11 Group, where he directed UK air operations globally and served as the UK’s Air Defence Commander.
