BAE Systems unveils Brontanax, the first fully sovereign British support wing at Farnborough 2026.

BAE Systems took advantage of the third day of the Farnborough International Airshow (July 20-24) to unveil Brontanax, described as the first fully sovereign British combat aircraft of the “loyal wingman” class, with the first flight targeted for the second half of 2027.

BAE Systems unmanned combat air vehicle technology demonstrator (illustrative image)

Quick Overview

Manufacturer: FalconWorks division of BAE Systems at Warton — the first fully sovereign British collaborative combat aircraft.
Size: Approximately the size of a Hawk training aircraft (about 12.5 m in length, 10 m in wingspan).
Mission: Electronic warfare and precision strikes against air and ground targets.
Integration: Currently flying with Typhoon and with Tempest/GCAP in the 2030s.
First flight targeted for the second half of 2027.

Announcement Details

The advanced FalconWorks division at Warton developed this aircraft, which was one of the company’s key announcements at the show. BAE positions the aircraft against the Royal Air Force’s “Storm Fighter” requirement, with a nod to a carrier-compatible option that could also support Royal Navy operations.

As a self-controlled loyal wingman, Brontanax is designed to fly alongside a manned fighter and perform reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and precision strike missions. The payload bay can carry effects such as Blizzard, a deception and suppression system revealed at DSEI 2025.

Program Context

The unveiling strengthens the UK’s position in a field that several European countries have already entered. The aircraft is set to integrate with the currently operational Eurofighter Typhoon in the near term, and with the sixth-generation Tempest/GCAP — a joint project between the UK, Italy, and Japan — in the 2030s.

BAE states that the platform is approximately the size of a Hawk jet training aircraft and is being showcased to international customers alongside the Royal Air Force. Industry estimates value the collaborative combat aircraft market at over $77 billion in the long term.

Why It Matters

The revelation comes amid an increasing race for unmanned fighters that includes American, Australian, and Turkish programs. The Turkish Bayraktar Kızılelma and TUSAS Anka-3 are already flying, confirming that the concept of the accompanying wing has become a central feature in air power planning for the next decade.