New autonomous drones equipped with cutting-edge signal jamming technology are set to enter operation for the RAF today.
The StormShroud drones will receive an initial £19m investment from the RAF.
They feature BriteStorm electronic warfare technology developed by Leonardo UK.
The drones are designed to disrupt enemy signal radar from long range, protecting RAF crews on frontline missions.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited defence contractor Leonardo UK in Bedfordshire on Friday to thank staff involved in the project
Reuters
According to Number 10, the technology was developed using "learnings from countering Putin's illegal war in Ukraine".
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited defence contractor Leonardo UK in Bedfordshire on Friday to thank staff involved in the project.
Tekever, the company manufacturing the drones, has announced a further £400m investment in the UK.
The Government has hailed this investment as supporting hundreds of new British jobs.
Starmer is shown an anechoic chamber during a visit to Leonardo, one of the biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the UK MOD
Reuters
The StormShroud drones will fly alongside RAF crews on frontline missions.
They are capable of autonomously disrupting enemy radar signals from long distances.
This technology aims to provide crucial protection for RAF personnel during operations.
Starmer speaks to members of the staff during a visit to Leonardo, one of the biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the UK MOD
Reuters
During his visit, Starmer described StormShroud as "an incredibly forward-looking piece of kit and capability that will help us as we go forward".
Speaking ahead of the Bedfordshire visit, the Prime Minister said: "Investment in our defence is an investment in this country's future."
He added: "Putting money behind our armed forces and defence industry is safeguarding our economic and national security by putting money back in the pockets of hard-working British people and protecting them for generations to come."
Starmer emphasised that the government is "taking the bold action needed to stand up to Putin and ruthlessly protect UK and European security".