The UK Ministry of Defense highlighted the Air Force (RAF) advances in autonomous systems in response to a question raised in Parliament.
Defense Minister Maria Eagle stated that the 2025 strategic defense review reinforced the need for RAF to remain at the forefront of the evolution of air combat, especially in the transition from exclusively manned aircraft to a future, unmanned and autonomous platforms.
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Second Eagle, two new systems have already entered operation this year: the drone Protector and the Stormshroudfirst ACP of RAF. The latter was cited as an example of the integration between the Air Force, the Government Science and Defense Technology Laboratory and the British industry, representing an important step in the modernization of autonomous abilities.
The minister also stressed that the autonomy will be central on different fronts of military aviation, ensuring greater efficiency in several operations. She explained that the speed of this transition will depend on the defense investment plan, expected to be released by the end of the year, and will guide the next strategic decisions.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: x @royalairforce | This content was created with the help of AI and revised by the editorial team
The RAF’s latest Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS), the Protector RG Mk1, has started deployed assurance testing and operator training in preparation for its replacement of Reaper’s operational role within Op Shader. pic.twitter.com/tPQvf8KWj3
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) September 3, 2025
