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UK RAF Launches £300m StormFighter Drone Programme by 2030

7/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Defence Minister Luke Pollard announced the RAF’s StormFighter programme on 16 July 2026, allocating £300 million.
The initiative will field autonomous drones dubbed “guardian angel” and “attack dog” for crewed fighters.
BAE Systems and Boeing have signaled interest in supplying the unmanned platforms.
Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth expects a Eurofighter flight test in 2027, operational capability by decade’s end, and ties the programme to £360 million for a jet trainer and private-sector financing.

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Story summary

Defence Minister Luke Pollard announced the RAF’s StormFighter programme on 16 July 2026, allocating £300 million.
The initiative will field autonomous drones dubbed “guardian angel” and “attack dog” for crewed fighters.
BAE Systems and Boeing have signaled interest in supplying the unmanned platforms.
Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth expects a Eurofighter flight test in 2027, operational capability by decade’s end, and ties the programme to £360 million for a jet trainer and private-sector financing.