BAE Systems has unveiled Brontanax, the UK\u2019s first uncrewed autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), at the Farnborough International Airshow. It is designed to extend combat mass for armed forces by complementing existing and future crewed aircraft, delivering additional frontline capability at a lower cost.<\/p>\n
BAE Systems press release<\/p>\n
The prototype aircraft was designed and built by engineers at BAE Systems in Warton, Lancashire, home of the UK\u2019s sovereign combat air industrial capability. More than 500 BAE Systems employees have been involved in the aircraft\u2019s development to date, working with over 75 large companies and SMEs from across Britain\u2019s world leading aerospace sector.<\/p>\n
The first-of-its class CCA \u2013 named Brontanax \u2013 is intended to provide electronic warfare and precision strike capabilities against airborne and ground targets. Operating with frontline combat aircraft such as Typhoon it will enhance combat mass and operational effectiveness, with planned availability to enter service before the end of the decade.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuilt 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.
We\u2019re investing \u00a3300 million in our StormFighter programme to develop an autonomous combat aircraft here in the UK. This launch shows the depth of industrial capability we have here in Britain to help deliver our ambition to become Europe\u2019s first sixth generation air force.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wes Streeting, UK Defence Secretary<\/p>\n
\u201cThe RAF is determined to become Europe\u2019s 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. Working alongside BAE Systems, we are taking a major step towards that ambition, with a prototype expected to fly next year. Backed by \u00a3300 million through the Defence Investment Plan, our StormFighter programme is transforming future capability, while the launch of Brontanax, the UK\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sir Harv Smyth, Chief Of The Air Staff Air Marshal<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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\u2019s way.
This capability represents a significant company investment in the UK\u2019s future of air power and builds on our long-standing commitment to innovation. Alongside supporting defence priorities, it will strengthen the UK\u2019s sovereign defence ecosystem by creating opportunities for SMEs, suppliers and partners across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems Air sector<\/p>\n
Similar in size to a BAE Systems Hawk aircraft, Brontanax is designed to be operated by a Typhoon pilot or mission commander from range, allowing crewed and uncrewed aircraft to operate as a team. Developed with an open architecture and modular design, it can be easily adapted to stay ahead of evolving threats, maintaining operational relevance and adaptability for years to come.<\/p>\n
The announcement comes after the UK Government published its Defence Investment Plan, which confirmed a \u00a3300m commitment to the Storm Fighter sovereign autonomous CCA programme, reflecting the aircraft\u2019s increasing importance for the armed forces as part of a full force mix. Storm Fighter will provide the Royal Air Force with Europe\u2019s first sixth generation capability.<\/p>\n
Brontanax builds on more than 25 years of experience across the Company in uncrewed and autonomous systems.<\/p>\n
Designed and delivered through BAE Systems\u2019 FalconWorks team, Brontanax has been funded to date through the Company\u2019s self-funded research & development investment. It is the latest uncrewed air system (UAS) to be revealed as part of a wider range of uncrewed products capable of working alongside both current and future frontline platforms to provide affordable and flexible combat mass.<\/p>\n
The aircraft is now being prepared for ground-based testing at Warton prior to flight testing within UK airspace.<\/p>\n
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Naval News comments: Brontanax in naval use<\/p>\n
BAE Systems\u2019 unveiling of the Brontanax CCA arrives at a critical juncture for the Royal Navy\u2019s carrier strike ambitions. Under its broader \u201cHybrid Navy\u201d vision\u2014reiterated in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review and 2026 Defence Investment Plan\u2014the Service aims to build mass and lethality by integrating autonomous platforms alongside crewed assets like the F-35B and Merlin. Operational deployments like HMS Prince of Wales on Operation \u2018Firecrest\u2019<\/a> are already building the tactical procedures and deck culture required to run simultaneous crewed and uncrewed operations from Queen Elizabeth-class (QEC) flight decks.<\/p>\n While carrier operations are not mentioned in the above press release, the video released by BAE Systems clearly shows a Brontanax CCA taking off from one of the QEC carriers.<\/p>\n