RAF Advances Storm Fighter Plans Toward 2030

The Royal Air Force is preparing a formal competition for collaborative combat aircraft under Storm Fighter, potentially acquiring more than one uncrewed aircraft type to field an operational capability by 2030. The drones are intended to operate alongside Typhoon and F-35 fighters, carrying sensors, weapons and electronic warfare equipment into contested airspace while crewed aircraft coordinate their activities from farther away. BAE Systems' Brontanax concept demonstrator is expected to fly in 2027 as the service develops its crewed-uncrewed operating approach. Storm Fighter remains an emerging acquisition program, with no winning platform or final fleet composition announced.