BAE Systems unveils Brontanax Collaborative Combat Aircraft for UK Storm Fighter programme [VIDEO]

The aircraft was designed and built by engineers at BAE Systems in Warton, Lancashire, the company’s UK combat air site. More than 500 BAE Systems employees have worked on the aircraft so far, alongside more than 75 large companies and SMEs from across Britain’s aerospace sector.

Brontanax is intended to operate with frontline combat aircraft including Typhoon. BAE Systems said it will increase combat mass and operational effectiveness, with planned availability to enter service before the end of the decade.

“The unveiling of Brontanax, the UK’s first uncrewed autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft, is a testament to the extraordinary talent and innovation across our sovereign defence industry,” said Defence Secretary Wes Streeting. “Built at BAE Systems in Warton by British engineers, backed by British businesses large and small, this aircraft demonstrates that the UK has the skills, the technology and the determination to lead the world in combat air power.”

The future of combat air is here.

Today we unveiled the UK’s first British-designed Collaborative Combat Aircraft at @FIAFarnborough.

Built in Britain. Ready for the fight 🔗 https://t.co/6ERLuSAUep pic.twitter.com/KBMbb4Yd82

— BAE Systems (@BAESystemsplc) July 22, 2026

“We’re investing £300 million in our StormFighter programme to develop an autonomous combat aircraft here in the UK,” Streeting said. “This launch shows the depth of industrial capability we have here in Britain to help deliver our ambition to become Europe’s first sixth generation air force.”

The announcement follows the UK Government’s Defence Investment Plan. The plan confirmed a £300 million commitment to the Storm Fighter sovereign autonomous CCA programme.

“The RAF is determined to become Europe’s first 6th Generation Air Force, driving innovation and accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technology to stay ahead in an increasingly complex and contested battlespace,” said Air Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff. “Working alongside BAE Systems, we are taking a major step towards that ambition, with a prototype expected to fly next year.”

“Backed by £300 million through the Defence Investment Plan, our StormFighter programme is transforming future capability, while the launch of Brontanax, the UK’s first autonomous uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft, shows how sovereign defence industry is delivering at pace to support us in being Agile, integrated and ready to fly fight and win,” Smyth said. The programme is being positioned as part of a wider force mix for the Royal Air Force.

Brontanax is similar in size to a BAE Systems Hawk aircraft. It is designed to be operated by a Typhoon pilot or mission commander from range, allowing crewed and uncrewed aircraft to work as a team.

The aircraft has an open architecture and modular design. BAE Systems said this will allow it to be adapted over time to meet evolving threats and maintain operational relevance.

“We recognise armed forces are being challenged to meet the demands of speed, adaptability and scale,” said Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems Air sector. “Our Collaborative Combat Aircraft will provide the ability to extend the reach of crewed aircraft, generating greater combat mass at lower cost, while keeping pilots out of harm’s way.”

“This capability represents a significant company investment in the UK’s future of air power and builds on our long-standing commitment to innovation,” Barnes said. “Alongside supporting defence priorities, it will strengthen the UK’s sovereign defence ecosystem by creating opportunities for SMEs, suppliers and partners across the country.”

BAE Systems said Brontanax builds on more than 25 years of company experience in uncrewed and autonomous systems. The aircraft was designed and delivered through the company’s FalconWorks team.

The prototype has so far been funded through BAE Systems’ self-funded research and development investment. It is part of a wider range of uncrewed air systems intended to operate alongside current and future frontline platforms.

The aircraft is now being prepared for ground-based testing at Warton. Flight testing is expected to take place in UK airspace after that phase.