RAF Unveils StormShroud Drone for Electronic Warfare Support

The British Royal Air Force (RAF) has unveiled its groundbreaking Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) – the StormShroud. This cutting-edge drone is designed to operate in tandem with crewed fighter jets, such as the RAF’s F-35B Lightning II and Eurofighter Typhoon, creating a highly effective manned-unmanned teaming (MUMT) system.

The StormShroud drone is part of a new generation of autonomous platforms intended to bolster the survivability and operational effectiveness of the RAF’s air assets in complex combat environments.

StormShroud: The Future of Electronic Warfare (EW)

The StormShroud is a specialized electronic warfare (EW) drone built to support fighter jets by neutralizing enemy air defenses. In essence, it will act as a “shield” for RAF aircraft, disrupting hostile radar systems and rendering jets less detectable. This form of protection is critical, especially when engaging with advanced, near-peer adversaries with sophisticated integrated air defense systems (IADS).

According to a statement released by the RAF on May 2, the StormShroud will be used to support both the F-35B Lightning and Typhoon pilots by “blinding” enemy radar systems. This will significantly enhance the survival rates of crewed aircraft during combat missions, especially in contested and hostile environments.

The RAF’s push for advanced, collaborative drone technology comes as a response to lessons learned from modern conflict zones like Ukraine, where electronic warfare has become increasingly vital. The service highlighted that integrating manned and unmanned platforms is a crucial strategy for countering the evolving threats posed by near-peer adversaries.

Unlike traditional drones or loyal wingman platforms, the StormShroud is specifically designed for electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD). It will not carry munitions like other multi-role drones, such as the U.S. Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) or Australia’s Ghost Bat. Instead, its mission is to jam enemy radar and disrupt IADS, allowing RAF fighter jets to operate more freely in contested airspace.

The StormShroud combines the capabilities of the Tekever AR3 uncrewed air system (UAS) with the advanced BriteStorm electronic warfare suite from Leonardo. The AR3 has proven its effectiveness in the field, notably during its deployment in Ukraine, where it clocked over 10,000 combat hours. The platform is known for its agility, compact size, and 16-hour endurance, making it well-suited for SEAD missions.

A Closer Look at the Technology Behind StormShroud

At the heart of the StormShroud’s effectiveness is the BriteStorm EW system. BriteStorm acts as a “stand-in jammer,” a small, lightweight system designed to operate ahead of crewed fighter jets. It targets and disables enemy radar by emitting a mix of electrical jamming signals and advanced spoofing techniques. When deployed, the system creates “ghost” signals that confuse the adversary’s radar, making it difficult to distinguish between real and false targets.

One of the most remarkable features of the BriteStorm system is its ability to adapt to evolving threats. The software-defined architecture allows real-time updates to counter new radar technologies and tactics, keeping the platform effective even in fast-changing combat scenarios.

Mark Randall, Campaign Manager for Electronic Warfare at Leonardo, explained that BriteStorm can create confusion in enemy IADS by “flying ahead” and preventing adversaries from tracking or engaging friendly aircraft. This approach is particularly crucial in high-threat environments, where traditional stand-off jammers would be too vulnerable or too far from the frontline.

StormShroud’s Deployment and Future Outlook

The StormShroud will be operated by 216 Squadron, a unit supported by the RAF Regiment and made up of both regular RAF and Royal Auxiliary Air Force personnel. These crews will receive specialized training to operate in high-threat, small team environments. The RAF has invested an initial £19 million into the development of the StormShroud, which will support over 200 skilled engineering jobs at multiple UK locations.

Unlike many other drones, the StormShroud will not be launched from fighter jets. Instead, it will be deployed from the ground via a portable catapult mechanism, a method for which RAF personnel are currently receiving training. While the Tekever AR3 platform can be adapted for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), the StormShroud on display by the RAF did not feature this capability.

The UK’s Ministry of Defence has emphasized that StormShroud represents just the beginning of a new family of autonomous collaborative platforms. These drones will serve as an essential part of the RAF’s efforts to stay ahead of adversaries developing increasingly sophisticated defense systems.

The Role of StormShroud in Modern Warfare

The introduction of the StormShroud is part of a broader trend where militaries around the world are incorporating loyal wingman drones to support their fighter aircraft. These drones perform a variety of tasks, from carrying extra munitions and extending sensor coverage to executing high-risk missions that would otherwise endanger human pilots. However, what sets the StormShroud apart is its singular focus on electronic warfare, with the BriteStorm system designed specifically to suppress enemy air defenses.

While it shares some similarities with U.S. and Australian drone programs, the StormShroud is smaller, more affordable, and, crucially, not designed for combat beyond EW operations. In this sense, it complements the broader capabilities of existing fighter jets, enhancing their overall effectiveness and survivability in increasingly complex air combat scenarios.

The RAF’s commitment to developing autonomous systems like the StormShroud signals a shift toward more cost-effective, agile solutions for modern warfare. These platforms will play a key role in ensuring the RAF maintains an edge over adversaries capable of deploying cutting-edge radar and missile systems.