BAE Systems unveils Brontanax prototype for UK Collaborative Combat Aircraft program (opex360.com)

• UK launches Storm Fighter CCA program on July 16, 2026
• BAE Systems reveals Brontanax prototype at Farnborough Airshow
• Brontanax: EW, ground attack, air superiority; cost £30-40M; first flight early 2027

"On July 16, UK Minister Luke Pollard announced the Storm Fighter program for autonomous collaborative combat drones. A week later at Farnborough, BAE Systems unveiled the Brontanax prototype, a CCA designed to operate alongside Typhoon, F-35, and Tempest. The drone features an open modular architecture for electronic warfare, ground strikes, and air superiority. Its size is comparable to a Hawk trainer. Cost is estimated at £30-40 million, about a quarter of a Typhoon. Ground tests begin soon, first flight in early 2027, operational by 2030. Over 500 employees and 75 SMEs contributed."