PM hails RAF’s new UK-made drones as a ‘game-changer’ for national security and the economy
The Prime Minister has thrown his weight behind the RAF’s brand-new StormShroud drones, calling them a “game-changer” for Britain’s national security, economic growth, and cutting-edge tech innovation.
The StormShroud drones have officially entered service today, supporting hundreds of skilled UK jobs while boosting Britain’s armed forces amid rising global tensions.
Built by British tech firm Tekever, these drones mark a major leap in combat air power, incorporating crucial lessons from the Ukraine conflict.
StormShroud Drones: Boosting RAF’s Firepower
The StormShroud is the RAF’s first drone designed specifically to ramp up the survivability and strike ability of its Typhoon and F-35 Lightning jets.
Armed with advanced BriteStorm signal jammers, these drones can blind enemy radars from a distance, letting pilots hit targets while staying hidden.
For the first time, the RAF will get high-end electronic warfare without risking crewed aircraft, freeing pilots for frontline missions.
The initial £19 million cash injection supports around 200 engineering jobs across sites in West Wales, Somerset, and beyond — with expansion expected.
Massive Economic Boost from Defence Tech
Tekever isn’t stopping at drones. The UK-Portuguese tech firm plans to invest a whopping £400 million in the UK over five years, creating up to 1,000 new high-skill jobs.
The PM, Sir Keir Starmer, visited Leonardo UK in the South East to meet the engineers and apprentices behind Britain’s next defence tech wave.
“Investment in our defence is an investment in this country’s future. It strengthens our economy, creates secure jobs, and ensures that Britain remains safe and prosperous for generations to come,” said Starmer.
Learning from Ukraine: Battlefield-Proven Tech
StormShroud is part of the RAF’s Autonomous Collaborative Platforms strategy, using battlefield experience from Ukraine to innovate rapidly.
Tekever’s previous AR3 and AR5 drones logged over 10,000 hours supporting Ukrainian forces against Russia—proof these systems work under pressure.
The new drone fleet will cement the UK’s edge in military tech while delivering on the government’s Plan for Change to boost jobs, growth, and security.
Part of a Bigger Defence Push
This drone rollout builds on other defence milestones like the Carrier Strike Group led by HMS Prince of Wales, strengthening UK alliances across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
The government has also recommitted to upping defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, backing long-term security and economic prosperity.
