The UK Air Force will acquire a new generation of heavy drones, the "Storm Fighter," by 2030
UK Defence Secretary Wes Stirling stated that the Royal Air Force will receive a new generation of heavy drones called the "Storm Fighter" (Storm Fighter) by 2030.
In July, the Royal Air Force announced the launch of a new "Collaborative Combat Aircraft" (CCA) program, aimed at developing an autonomous combat drone—known as the "loyal wingman"—named the "Storm Fighter." According to BAE Systems, the lead company behind the project, this new drone, named "Brontanax," is part of Europe's first sixth-generation air power strategy.
Stirling said at the Farnborough International Airshow: "Our goal is to conduct the first flight test of the CCA next year and have the 'Storm Fighter' operational before the end of this decade."
He added that these new drones will operate in coordination with the "Typhoon" fighter jets. They will fly up to 8 kilometers ahead of the Typhoon, acting as its "eyes and ears." Each Typhoon pilot will be able to simultaneously control five such drones.
Stirling also noted that the UK's Typhoon fighter jet upgrade program has recently been completed, equipping these aircraft with a brand-new anti-drone system.
It is reported that the UK has allocated £300 million (US$400 million) to implement the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871459464852487/
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