‘Phantom' planes to swarm enemy radar before RAF fighter jets attack
Signal-jamming drones that generate 'phantom' aircraft are set to be deployed by the Royal Air Force to protect manned fighter jets from air defences.
Swarms of the British-made StormShroud devices, which fly autonomously, will be sent into contested territory ahead of crewed F-35s and Typhoons to create confusion using cutting-edge electronic warfare systems.
They are capable of blinding enemy radar or even simulating fake aircraft by creating 'phantom' electronic signatures, helping the real, manned platforms to go undetected.
On Friday, the RAF revealed that StormShroud had entered operational service with 216 Squadron, based at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, following a procurement process that lasted just a year.
The drone platform is based on Tekever's AR3, which is made in Wales and Southampton, and has been used extensively by Ukrainian forces fighting Russia. The onboard electronic warfare technology, known as BriteStorm, was developed by Leonardo UK engineers in Luton.
StormShroud has been rushed into service under the autonomous collaborative platforms programme, which aims to 'revolutionise the RAF's advantage in the most contested battlespaces'.
On Friday, Sir Rich Knighton, chief of the air staff, said: 'This is a seminal moment for the RAF to maintain our advantage in air combat and national security.
'The RAF is committed to exploring cutting-edge technologies that can enhance its lethality and survivability in a more contested and dangerous world.
'Autonomous collaborative platforms will revolutionise how we conduct a range of missions, from intelligence gathering to strike and logistical support.
'We are excited to be at the forefront of this innovation and are working closely with industry partners to explore the possibilities.'
The RAF said the new capability meant that electronic warfare capabilities could now be deployed without needing to put human pilots at risk, freeing them up for other missions.
An initial 24 StormShroud drones have been ordered at a cost of £19m, supporting 200 skilled manufacturing jobs.
However, British-Portuguese defence company Tekever said it was preparing to invest £400m over the next five years to expand its UK presence, ahead of further anticipated orders of the AR3 from Britain and its Nato allies.
An RAF source said the air force was also likely to order more StormShroud drones and would continue to 'iterate' the platform with Tekever and Leonardo.
On Friday, Sir Keir Starmer visited Leonardo's site in Luton to meet staff and discuss the new StormShroud capability.
He made the visit against the backdrop of grim results for Labour in the local elections and the by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, where Nigel Farage's Reform UK stormed to victory.
The Prime Minister said: 'Investment in our defence is an investment in this country's future.
'Putting money behind our Armed Forces and defence industry is safeguarding our economic and national security by putting money back in the pockets of hard-working British people and protecting them for generations to come.
'Together with our allies, this Government is taking the bold action needed to stand up to Putin and ruthlessly protect UK and European security, which is vital for us to deliver our Plan for Change and improve the lives of working people up and down the country.'
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