A fleet of new electronic warfare drones known as StormShroud has come into operation, providing an extra warfighting dimension for the RAF.

The uncrewed air systems were procured and delivered by DE&S in less than six months and will deliver high-tech signal jammers to disrupt enemy radar at long range.

This will protect fighter jets such as F-35B Lightning II and Typhoon from enemy fire while making them more lethal by enabling them to attack targets undetected.

Mark Langrill, DE&S Director Rotary Wing and UAS, said: “We’re immensely proud at DE&S to have worked with our innovative industry partners to deliver this game-changing capability to the RAF in such a short timeframe.

“We know our adversaries around the world are trying to outpace us in the uncrewed air space, but StormShroud shows the UK and its allies remain at the forefront of developing battle-winning technology for our armed forces.”

StormShroud is only the first of a family of next-generation drones – known as Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs) – being delivered to the RAF.

The Tekever AR3s were procured by DE&S’ ACP delivery team (formerly known as Catalyst) and integrated with Leonardo UK’s BriteStorm electronic warfare system.

With an initial investment of £19 million, the drones are manufactured in the UK,  supporting 200 jobs in locations including Tekever’s site in Aberporth, West Wales, and Leonadro’s site in Luton, Bedfordshire.

Air Chief Marshal 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.”

StormShroud was announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as he got to see the expertise that goes into manufacturing the drones during a visit to Leonardo UK’s Luton site.

Following extensive use on the frontline as Ukraine continues to repel the illegal Russian invasion, the Tekever AR3 and AR5 drones have already proven their value, racking up more than 10,000 hours of flight for Ukraine’s armed forces.

With StormShroud now part of the UK’s warfighting capability, the RAF will benefit from high-end electronic warfare without needing crew to fly the systems, freeing them up for other vital frontline missions. The drones will be continually upgraded as technology advances.

In a further vote of confidence in the UK defence industry, Portuguese-owned  Tekever plans to invest a further £400 million over the next five years across the UK, creating up to 1,000 more highly skilled jobs.

Ricardo Mendes, CEO of Tekever, said: “This programme is a strong example of how the Ministry of Defence and Industry can work collaboratively to deliver cutting edge defence capability at pace while incorporating lessons learned from operational feedback in Ukraine and supporting the UK sovereign industrial base.

“This strategic commitment to the UK is more than an industrial expansion – it is a plan to position the UK to lead the transformation of Europe’s defence landscape by delivering faster, more adaptive capabilities that stay ahead of evolving threats.”

Find out more about how DE&S is working with industry on tech and innovation here.