The RAF has begun using new drones which fly ahead of F-35s and Typhoon jets and make them effectively invisible to enemy radar.
The uncrewed StormShroud craft, manufactured in Luton, Bedfordshire, came into operation on April 2.
Fitted with Leonardo’s BriteStorm EW suite, the drones are capable of jamming enemy radar from long distances, allowing for a stealth attack, The Times reported.
Sir Keir Starmer visited the defence contractor’s headquarters on Friday and was given a showcase of the new autonomous drone’s capabilities.
The prime minister said that BriteStorm was ‘really inspiring’ and vowed that the UK would ‘stand up to Putin and ruthlessly protest UK and European security.’
The PM added: ‘StormShroud is an incredibly forward-looking piece of kit and capability that will help us as we go forward.’
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton called the rolling out of StormShroud a ‘seminal moment’ for the RAF as it strives to retain its competitive advantage.
He added: ‘Autonomous collaborative platforms will revolutionise how we conduct a range of missions, from intelligence gathering to strike and logistical support.’
The StormShroud drone, manufactured in Luton, Bedfordshire, came into operation on Friday
The unmanned craft flight ahead of RAF fighter jets and jam enemy radar, making the aircraft effectively invisible
Sir Keir Starmer visited the defence contractor’s headquarters on Friday and was given a showcase of the new autonomous drone’s capabilities
An RAF spokesperson said: ‘StormShroud will support RAF F-35B Lightning and Typhoon pilots by blinding enemy radars, which increases the survivability and operational effectiveness of our crewed aircraft.
‘Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) are not new to the RAF, and StormShroud has been developed using lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as well as other operational theatres around the world.
‘The RAF’s exploration of ACPs is part of its broader strategy to embrace technological advancements and maintain its position as a world-leading air force.
‘The ACP Strategy is clear that the best way to optimise our strength against increasingly sophisticated adversaries is through a blend of crewed and un-crewed autonomous platforms operating together.
‘It’s a more agile, adaptable and cost-effective model that significantly reduces the risks faced by pilots in conventional aircraft when flying and fighting in hostile environments.
‘UAS have revolutionised modern warfighting, both offensively and defensively, as recent conflicts ranging from Ukraine to the Middle East have shown. In a world of increasing threat to the UK and our NATO allies, StormShroud will serve as a powerful deterrent to potential aggressors.’
