RAF Deploys StormShroud EW Drones for Manned-Unmanned Teaming

RAF Unveils StormShroud: A New Era of Electronic Warfare Drones

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has taken a significant step forward in modern aerial warfare with the unveiling of its new electronic warfare drone, StormShroud. Designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets like the F-35B and Eurofighter Typhoon, this drone represents a strategic evolution in the U.K.’s approach to contested airspace and electronic warfare capabilities.

As global threats become more sophisticated and the electromagnetic spectrum increasingly contested, the integration of unmanned systems into frontline operations is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a necessity. StormShroud is not just a drone; it’s a tactical enabler designed to jam enemy radar, disrupt integrated air defense systems, and enhance the survivability of RAF pilots. With this move, the RAF joins a growing list of nations embracing manned-unmanned teaming concepts in their air combat doctrines.

This development aligns with broader trends in defense modernization, particularly within the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a trilateral initiative between the U.K., Italy, and Japan. It also reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, where electronic warfare and drone capabilities have proven decisive.

StormShroud and Its Role in RAF’s Future Combat Strategy

Design and Capabilities of StormShroud

StormShroud is based on the Tekever AR3 platform, a propeller-driven drone known for its operational success in Ukraine. Unlike jet-powered drones like the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), StormShroud is designed for a more specific role: electronic warfare. It carries a payload developed by Leonardo, a prominent defense technology firm, tailored to jam radars and disrupt enemy communications.

While it does not possess the advanced autonomy or direct control features of U.S. CCAs, StormShroud is pre-programmed to fly specific routes and execute jamming operations. This makes it ideal for high-risk missions in contested environments, where human pilots would face elevated danger. The RAF categorizes StormShroud as a tier two drone—attritable but not disposable—striking a balance between cost-effectiveness and capability.

Stacie Pettyjohn, Director of the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security, emphasized that StormShroud is “intended to be used as a stand-in jammer or decoy that would be employed with F-35Bs or Typhoons operating inside of enemy air defenses.” It is not a “loyal wingman” in the traditional sense but serves as a tactical complement to manned assets.

“StormShroud provides cheap, precise mass and has been rapidly developed and fielded. It reflects a pragmatic approach to integrating drones into frontline operations.” — Stacie Pettyjohn, CNAS

Strategic Importance and Operational Context

The introduction of StormShroud marks a pivot in RAF doctrine toward a more distributed, networked approach to aerial combat. By offloading high-risk tasks to unmanned systems, the RAF can preserve its human pilots for mission-critical decision-making while still engaging and degrading enemy air defenses.

This strategy is not isolated. It forms part of the U.K.’s broader modernization under the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy (2021), which emphasized autonomous systems and future air capabilities. The Ministry of Defence has allocated £2.3 billion toward future combat air programs, a portion of which supports drone development.

StormShroud is currently operated by the RAF’s 216 Squadron, a unit tasked with integrating cutting-edge technologies into operational concepts. Its deployment will also inform future iterations of the Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) family, which could include long-range strike drones and more survivable tier three systems.

Lessons from Ukraine and Global Implications

The RAF’s choice of the Tekever AR3, a platform proven in Ukraine, signals a shift toward using real-world conflict data to shape procurement and design. In Ukraine, drones have been instrumental in both reconnaissance and electronic warfare, highlighting their value in modern conflicts where traditional air superiority is challenged.

Globally, over 20 countries are investing in autonomous military systems, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The U.S. is advancing its CCA program, Russia is developing the Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B, and Australia is collaborating with Boeing on the Airpower Teaming System. The RAF’s StormShroud initiative places the U.K. firmly in this competitive arena.

Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute noted, “Integrating electronic warfare drones with fighter jets represents a paradigm shift in air combat. These systems can act as force multipliers, allowing pilots to focus on mission objectives while drones handle high-risk tasks.”

Challenges and Future Opportunities

Technological and Ethical Considerations

While StormShroud offers clear tactical benefits, it also raises questions about autonomy, control, and rules of engagement. The drone is not designed for full autonomy but still operates without real-time pilot input, which may complicate accountability in combat scenarios.

Dr. Sarah Kreps from Cornell University cautions, “The ethical and operational challenges of manned-unmanned teaming are significant, but the potential to reduce pilot casualties and enhance mission success rates cannot be ignored.” As these systems evolve, so too must the legal and ethical frameworks governing their use.

Another challenge lies in interoperability. As NATO and allied forces increasingly adopt similar technologies, ensuring that systems can communicate and coordinate effectively will be essential to coalition operations.

Industrial and Economic Impacts

StormShroud’s development also has implications for the U.K.’s defense industry. Companies like Leonardo and BAE Systems stand to benefit from increased demand for AI-driven systems, secure communications, and electronic warfare capabilities. The Global Combat Air Programme will likely incorporate lessons from StormShroud into its broader design architecture.

This initiative also supports the U.K.’s goal of maintaining a competitive edge in the global defense market. By fielding drones that are both cost-effective and tactically relevant, the RAF can influence international standards and attract foreign investment and collaboration.

In the long term, the RAF envisions a fleet of drones with varying levels of capability and cost—ranging from expendable surveillance drones to survivable strike platforms. StormShroud is just the beginning of this layered approach to drone warfare.

Looking Ahead: Integration and Innovation

The RAF plans to integrate StormShroud into active service within the next decade, aligning with broader modernization timelines. Future iterations may include enhanced autonomy, longer range, and multi-role capabilities such as strike or logistics support.

The RAF’s commitment to innovation is clear. As Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton stated, “Autonomous collaborative platforms will revolutionise how we conduct a range of missions, from intelligence gathering to strike and logistical support.”

With continued investment and international collaboration, the U.K. is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of air combat. StormShroud may be a modest beginning, but it represents a monumental shift in how wars will be fought—and won—in the skies.

Conclusion

StormShroud represents more than just a new drone—it symbolizes the RAF’s strategic transition toward integrated, multi-domain operations. By leveraging proven technologies and focusing on electronic warfare, the RAF is addressing current threats while laying the groundwork for future capabilities.

As global powers race to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum and redefine air superiority, the U.K.’s investment in manned-unmanned teaming ensures it remains a key player on the world stage. The road ahead will involve challenges in technology, ethics, and interoperability—but the direction is clear, and the momentum is building.

FAQ

What is StormShroud?
StormShroud is an electronic warfare drone developed by the Royal Air Force to fly alongside manned fighter jets and disrupt enemy radar and air defense systems.

How is StormShroud different from U.S. Collaborative Combat Aircraft?
Unlike the U.S. CCAs, StormShroud is not jet-powered or highly autonomous. It follows pre-programmed routes and is designed for electronic warfare, not direct combat support.

When will StormShroud be operational?
While no exact deployment date has been confirmed, the RAF aims to integrate StormShroud into active service within the next decade.

Sources:
Air & Space Forces Magazine,
U.K. Ministry of Defence Annual Report 2023,
Integrated Review 2021,
Royal United Services Institute,
BAE Systems,
International Institute for Strategic Studies,
Cornell University