At the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 in the United Kingdom, held from July 20 to 24, British company BAE Systems unveiled for the first time a prototype combat unmanned aircraft named Brontanax, a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designed to operate as a loyal wingman.
Photos: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG
The aircraft prototype was designed and built by BAE Systems engineers in Warton, Lancashire, home to the United Kingdom’s combat air industry. More than 500 BAE Systems employees have so far been involved in developing the aircraft, working with over 75 large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises from the UK’s leading aerospace sector.
The first British combat aircraft of its class, named Brontanax, is intended to provide electronic warfare and precision-strike capabilities against air and ground targets. Operating alongside crewed combat aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, it is expected to enhance air force combat capabilities and operational effectiveness. Entry into service is planned before the end of the decade.
The unveiling of Brontanax at Farnborough 2026 coincided with an announcement made on July 16 during the Global Air & Space Chiefs 2026 conference in London, where Luke Pollard, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces at the UK Ministry of Defence, revealed a new program codenamed Storm Fighter.
„We’re investing £300 million in our Storm Fighter 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’s first sixth generation air force,” – said Wes Streeting, UK Defence Secretary.
„The RAF is determined to become Europe’s 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 £300 million through the Defence Investment Plan, our Storm Fighter programme is transforming future capability, while the launch of Brontanax, the UK’s 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,” – noted Sir Harv Smyth, Chief Of The Air Staff Air Marshal.
„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,” – Simon Barnes,
Group Managing Director, BAE Systems Air sector.
Comparable in size to the BAE Systems Hawk, Brontanax has been designed to be remotely controlled by a pilot or mission commander aboard a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, enabling crewed and uncrewed aircraft to operate together. Developed around an open architecture and modular design, it can be readily adapted to evolving threats, helping it remain operationally relevant and adaptable for many years.
Brontanax draws on more than 25 years of BAE Systems’ experience in uncrewed and autonomous systems.
Designed and delivered by BAE Systems’ FalconWorks research and development team, Brontanax has so far been funded through the company’s own research and development resources. It is the latest uncrewed air system to be unveiled as part of a broader portfolio of uncrewed products capable of operating alongside both current and future combat platforms (Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems FalconWorks Announce Strategic Partnership).
The aircraft is currently being prepared for ground testing at Warton, ahead of flight trials in UK airspace.
The future of combat air is here.
Today we unveiled the UK’s first British-designed Collaborative Combat Aircraft at @FIAFarnborough.
Built in Britain. Ready for the fight 🔗 https://t.co/6ERLuSAUep pic.twitter.com/KBMbb4Yd82
— BAE Systems (@BAESystemsplc) July 22, 2026