The futuristic robot warplanes are being developed to fly alongside RAF fighter jets, carrying out dangerous missions from spying on enemy positions to jamming radar and launching precision strikes
Britain is preparing to unleash a pack of AI-powered “attack dog” drones to take on Mad Vlad Putin’s forces.
The futuristic robot warplanes are being developed to fly alongside RAF fighter jets, carrying out dangerous missions from spying on enemy positions to jamming radar and launching precision strikes.
Military chiefs say the next generation of aircraft will help Britain stay one step ahead of growing threats from Russia, China and Iran.
Defence giant BAE Systems unveiled its Brontanax drone for the first time on Wednesday.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting hailed it as a “groundbreaking moment” for British military technology.
The autonomous “wingman” is expected to be flying by 2027 and will work alongside Typhoon, F-35 and future Tempest fighter jets.
Named after the Ancient Greek words for “thunder” and “king”, the £25million drone is designed to carry out around 80% of the combat roles of a Typhoon for roughly a fifth of the cost.
It can be armed for reconnaissance, electronic warfare or precision attacks, while commanders ultimately want as many as five flying alongside every manned fighter in future conflicts.
The drones are intended to take on the riskiest jobs, allowing human pilots to remain further from danger.
Dave Holmes, of BAE Systems said they would carry out the “dull, dirty, dangerous” missions and could even be sacrificed if necessary to protect more valuable aircraft.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth warned the world was facing “its most severe test in generations”.
He added: “The threat is real, it is growing exponentially and we need to move at pace to counter it.
“We must accelerate into this new dawn of air power and this begins here.”