Britain's new £19 million unmanned fighter jet, the Brontanax, is due to start test flights as early as next year. Hailed as the next generation of British military aircraft, it is the UK's first uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
Design and Capabilities
Designed and built by BAE Systems in Warton, Lancashire, the Brontanax is named after the ancient Greek words for thunder and king. It is designed to operate alongside a crewed plane such as the Typhoon and can be controlled by a Typhoon pilot or a mission commander from a distance. The aircraft provides electronic warfare and precision strikes capabilities against air and ground targets.
It is likely to have 70% to 80% of a fighter jet's capability but comes in at 25% of the price, meaning a cost of around £19 million per drone.
Government Investment
The British government has indicated it is prepared to spend £300 million on launching a CCA programme it has named Storm Fighter.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: '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. 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.'
RAF Ambitions
The RAF said the aircraft forms part of its ambition to become Europe’s first sixth-generation air force by combining crewed and autonomous aircraft. Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sir Harv Smyth said: 'The RAF is determined to become Europe’s first sixth generation air force, driving innovation and accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technology to stay ahead in an increasingly complex and contested battlespace.'
Industry Perspective
BAE Systems said the aircraft had been developed with an open architecture and modular design, allowing it to be adapted to changing operational requirements and emerging threats. Simon Barnes, group managing director of BAE Systems’ Air sector, said: 'We recognise armed forces are being challenged to meet the demands of speed, adaptability and scale. 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. Alongside supporting defence priorities, it will strengthen the UK’s sovereign defence ecosystem by creating opportunities for SMEs, suppliers and partners across the country.'
The aircraft is due to undergo ground-based testing at Warton before beginning flight trials in UK airspace. A first flight is expected next year.
