BAE Systems unveils the Brontanax, a new collaborative combat aircraft designed to bolster the United Kingdom's future air power.
BAE Systems revealed the Brontanax, a new collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) loyal wingman drone, during the Farnborough Airshow. The aircraft is designed to provide electronic warfare and precision strike capabilities for the Royal Air Force. The administration committed £300 million to the Storm Fighter CCA program, which aims to establish the UK as Europe’s first sixth-generation air force. The Brontanax is roughly the size of a Hawk trainer jet and features a low-observable design. While it currently utilizes a U.S. Williams engine, BAE Systems plans to transition to a Rolls-Royce powerplant in the future. The drone is intended to perform 70% to 80% of the missions of a Eurofighter Typhoon at approximately 20% to 25% of the cost. The prototype is scheduled for ground testing in early 2027, followed by flight testing in the second quarter of that year. BAE Systems officials noted the aircraft is a production-ready prototype capable of operating from aircraft carriers and performing missions with various weapons currently in service.