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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Athena Stavrou

What are ‘loyal wingmen’ drones? New unmanned fighter jet hailed as ‘groundbreaking for UK defence’

  • Defence secretary Wes Streeting unveiled the new British-made Brontanax drone , developed by BAE Systems , at the Farnborough Airshow, hailing it as a "groundbreaking moment for UK defence."
  • The Brontanax, an uncrewed autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft designed to fly alongside piloted jets as a "loyal wingman," is expected to be operational in the skies by 2027.
  • The Ministry of Defence awarded BAE Systems a £708 million contract extension to continue developing a next-generation combat aircraft as part of the Global Combat Air Programme.
  • Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds announced a £600 million package to support the British aerospace sector during his visit to the Farnborough Airshow.
  • Prime minister Andy Burnham , in a video message, highlighted the aerospace and defence sectors' role in reindustrialising the nation and creating jobs, particularly outside London and the South East.

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