BAE Systems unveils autonomous combat aircraft at Farnborough airshow

BAE Systems PLC on Wednesday at the Farnborough airshow unveiled what it called the UK's first uncrewed autonomous collaborative combat aircraft.

The London-based defence contractor noted that the prototype, dubbed Brontanax, was designed and built in Warton, Lancashire.

"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," the company explained.

It offers "electronic warfare and precision strike capabilities against airborne and ground targets", BAE Systems continued.

Wes Streeting, who was appointed UK Defence secretary on Monday, called Brontanax "a testament to the extraordinary talent and innovation across our sovereign defence industry" which "demonstrates that the UK has the skills, the technology and the determination to lead the world in combat air power".

Streeting continued: "We're investing £300 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's first sixth generation air force."

Harv Smyth, chief of Air Staff for the Royal Air Force, said: "Working alongside BAE Systems, we are taking a major step towards that ambition, with a prototype expected to fly next year."

BAE Systems shares traded 0.9% higher at 1,926.50 pence on Wednesday morning in London.

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