UK Unveils 2 Storm Fighter Drones, Backs Program With £300 Million
Updated
Updated · Breaking Defense · Jul 16
UK Unveils 2 Storm Fighter Drones, Backs Program With £300 Million
3 articles · Updated · Breaking Defense · Jul 16
Summary
Storm Chrome and Storm Fire were introduced as the first named designs under Britain’s newly branded Storm Fighter drone-wingman program, with Storm Fire pitched as a one-way attack drone able to strike targets 1,000 miles away.
£300 million has been earmarked to launch the Collaborative Combat Aircraft effort, which officials say will give the RAF cheaper mass, absorb risk for pilots and support crewed jets with missions from electronic attack to reconnaissance.
Storm Chrome is intended for electronic attack, while the new effort builds on StormShroud, an autonomous jammer that entered service last year to help shield pilots from enemy radar.
2030 is the formal target for a demonstrator flight under the UK defence investment plan, though RAF chief Harv Smyth said he wants one flying with a Eurofighter Typhoon as soon as next year.
£15 billion in added defence spending framed the announcement after political turmoil over earlier budget levels, which contributed to the resignation of Defence Minister John Healey and Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ouster.
Will Britain's new 'Storm Fighter' be a homegrown champion or an off-the-shelf import from allies?
After past failures, can the UK's ambitious drone program deliver its promised 'guardian angel' fleet on budget?
Storm Fighter Initiative: The UK’s Ambitious Path to a Sixth-Generation Air Force and the Global Loyal Wingman Race
Overview
In July 2026, the Royal Air Force (RAF) launched the Storm Fighter program as a major step in the UK’s defense strategy. This initiative focuses on developing advanced loyal wingman drones that can operate autonomously alongside manned fighter jets like the Typhoon, F-35, and future Tempest. As part of the UK Defense Investment Plan, the program aims to integrate cutting-edge uncrewed capabilities into aerial combat, supporting the UK’s goal to build Europe’s first sixth-generation air force. By investing in autonomous systems, the UK seeks to modernize its air power and maintain a technological edge.