BAE Systems unveils UK-made Brontanax collaborative combat aircraft for RAF

BAE Systems has unveiled Brontanax, a British-designed collaborative combat aircraft intended to add affordable mass and new capabilities to the Royal Air Force’s future fleet.

The uncrewed aircraft was revealed at Farnborough International Airshow by new Defence Secretary Wes Streeting. Approximately the size of a Hawk jet trainer, Brontanax has been designed to operate alongside Typhoon, F-35B and, eventually, the UK-led GCAP combat aircraft.

BAE Systems said the platform would initially provide electronic warfare and precision-strike capabilities against airborne and ground targets. Its modular architecture is intended to support the rapid integration of different weapons, sensors and mission systems as operational requirements evolve.

Although a full-scale model was displayed at Farnborough, BAE Systems has already built a production-standard demonstrator at its Warton site in Lancashire. The company expects to power on the aircraft during the third quarter of 2026, begin ground trials in the first half of 2027 and start flight testing later that year.

Initial involvement in NATO’s Exercise Steadfast Defender is also planned for late 2027, although the nature of the aircraft’s participation has not yet been confirmed.

From Taranis to Brontanax

Development began in 2022 and was initially funded by BAE Systems. The aircraft draws on experience gained through the earlier Taranis technology demonstrator programme, which explored low-observable autonomous combat air technologies.

Brontanax has a maximum take-off weight of more than 5 tonnes and is being developed to carry weapons already used by the RAF. Its open and modular design could also accommodate electronic attack equipment, surveillance sensors and future munitions.

The demonstrator is powered by an engine from US manufacturer Williams International. However, BAE Systems is working with Rolls-Royce on a potential sovereign powerplant offering increased thrust for later versions of the aircraft.

The company has also indicated that Brontanax could be adapted for export customers, creating an opportunity for the UK defence supply chain if the programme progresses into production.

BAE Systems said the aircraft was being treated as an operational platform that would evolve from its first flight, rather than as a conventional technology prototype.

Part of the UK’s StormFighter programme

Brontanax will support the Ministry of Defence’s wider StormFighter programme, which is backed by £300 million through the Defence Investment Plan. The programme is intended to accelerate the development of autonomous combat aircraft and help the RAF become what it describes as Europe’s first sixth-generation air force.

Streeting said the aircraft demonstrated the strength of the UK’s sovereign combat air sector.

“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 airpower,” he said.

Chief of the Air Staff Harv Smyth said Brontanax showed how the UK defence industry could deliver new capability at greater pace.

The RAF is targeting an initial Brontanax capability before 2030. BAE Systems has also expressed confidence that the aircraft could be modified to operate from the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers without catapults, although this would require changes including the addition of arresting equipment.