In response to questions from Parliament, the UK Ministry of Defense highlighted progress in the RAF’s autonomous system.
Defence Minister Maria Eagle said the 2025 Defense Strategy Review has reinforced the need for RAF to continue at the forefront of aviation combat in the transition from fully manned aircraft to a future system combining manned, unmanned and autonomous platforms.
According to Eagle, there are two new systems already in operation this year: droneProtectorAnd it is RAF’s first ACP.Stormshroudis. The latter, cited as an example of integration with the Air Force, the government’s Defense Science and Technology Institute, and the British industry, represents an important step in modernizing autonomous capabilities.
The Minister emphasized that autonomy plays a central role in various areas of military aviation and increases efficiency in various operations. She explained that the speed of this transition will depend on defence investment plans, which will be published by the end of the year, leading to future strategic decisions.
source:UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @RoyalAirForce | This content was created with the help of AI and has been verified 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
