Brontanax unveiled as UK's first autonomous collaborative combat aircraft

BAE Systems revealed the Brontanax at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026, describing it as the United Kingdom's first uncrewed autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The prototype, built at BAE’s Warton facility with involvement from over 500 employees and more than 75 British suppliers, is now undergoing ground testing. A first flight is planned for 2027, with operational service targeted for the end of the decade, around 2030.

Brontanax, comparable in size to the BAE Hawk trainer, is designed to operate alongside crewed fighters such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and the future Tempest. Its modular architecture allows it to be configured for electronic warfare, precision strike, reconnaissance, and air‑superiority support. The development is funded by a £300 million investment through the Storm Fighter programme and the UK Defence Investment Plan, supporting the RAF’s ambition to become Europe’s first sixth‑generation air force.