ROBOT drones that can blind Russian radars will fly with RAF jets to protect them on missions.
A new fleet of StormShroud drones will use electronic warfare jammers to “knock out enemy air defences”, the MoD revealed.
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The AI-powered drones – which are made in west Wales and Southampton – have been battle tested in Ukraine.
The UK fleet – which is thought to number about 24 – will be armed with world-class BriteStorm signal jammers that can dazzle enemy radars.
They are designed to spearhead air attacks – flying ahead of the fighter jets to clear a safe path through air defence missiles.
Downing Street said: “The drones offer a step change in capability by using a high-tech BriteStorm signal jammer to disrupt enemy radar at long ranges, protecting our aircraft and pilots.”
They added: “In revolutionary new tactics, the drones support aircraft like Typhoon and F35 Lightning, by confusing enemy radars and allowing combat aircraft to attack targets unseen.
“This means for the first time, the RAF will benefit from high-end electronic warfare without needing crew to man it, freeing them up for other vital frontline missions.”
RAF chief Sir Rich Knighton said: “This is a seminal moment for the RAF to maintain our advantage in air combat and national security.”
The AI-powered drones will act autonomously, detecting and disrupting enemy air defence networks.
Sir Rich added: “Autonomous collaborative platforms will revolutionise how we conduct a range of missions, from intelligence gathering to strike and logistical support.”
The Storm Shroud is based on a Tekever AR3 drone fitted with an “electronic warfare payload” made by Leonardo UK in Luton.
The RAF said: “Storm Shroud will support RAF F-35B Lightning and Typhoon pilots by blinding enemy radars, which increases the survivability and operational effectiveness of our crewed aircraft.”
The UK has emerged as a world leader in drone technology.
Our drone market generated around £94.66million in 2023 but is predicted to reach as much as £1.5billion by 2031.
Drones are currently used for an array of tasks including surveying buildings, decommissioning nuclear installations, inspecting dangerous structures and providing emergency searches.
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The Royal Mail is even trialling drone delivery in remote areas.
While 84 per cent of budding drone businesses have fewer than 50 employees, analysts Drone Industry Insights said: “The drone market in the UK is among the top in the world, with significant potential for growth.
“The economy in the UK as a whole offers a unique opportunity for the drone industry to thrive, and it has witnessed significant advancements in the use of drones in recent years, particularly in healthcare and delivery.”
Meanwhile, a probe by The Sun on Sunday revealed that combat drones have now become the dominant killer on the battlefields of Ukraine.
Up to 80 per cent of casualties on both sides of the conflict have been caused by what are known by the military as “unmanned air systems”.
The figures from Western officials mean that eight out of ten soldiers being killed and wounded in the conflict are being targeted remotely by devices piloted by young soldiers often miles behind the front line.
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