UK Defence Minister: RAF autonomous fighter jet officially named Storm Fighter

Published Jul 16, 01:28 PM UTC

The UK's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme has been officially named Storm Fighter, as announced by Defence Minister Luke Pollard at the Global Air and Space Chiefs' Conference in London. The autonomous jets are designed to fly alongside RAF Typhoons, F-35s, and future Tempest jets, serving as both a 'guardian angel and an attack dog.' The programme builds on the Storm Shroud electronic warfare system and is part of a £298 billion Defence Investment Plan, with £31 billion allocated to air and space over four years. Key funding includes £8.6 billion for the Global Combat Air Programme design phase, £1.1 billion for Typhoon upgrades, and over £2 billion for F-35A acquisition supporting NATO's nuclear mission. Pollard emphasized the goal of creating a 'hybrid digitally integrated and AI-enabled air force' with three combat air platforms, positioning the RAF as Europe's first sixth-generation air force.