Raytheon UK has unveiled Red Kite, a sovereign precision weapon system developed entirely through digital engineering and aimed at bolstering the Royal Air Force’s munitions stockpiles. Reinterpreting the existing Stormbreaker airframe through digital engineering, Raytheon UK announced the next-generation Red Kite weapon system at the Farnborough International Airshow—a system designed to take the RAF’s operational flexibility to new heights in record time. Rapidly advanced from concept to prototype, this precision munition was developed in collaboration with a UK defence industry consortium to meet the nation’s critical stockpile requirements.
What is Red Kite? Rapid Development and Operational Flexibility
James Gray, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Raytheon UK, offered the following assessment of the new system: “Red Kite has been designed with cost-effectiveness and adaptability in mind, and it represents a significant step forward for UK defence. Over the past five years, we have worked closely with our partners to combine innovative design, digital engineering, and proven technologies. This has allowed us to develop a sovereign capability for the Royal Air Force more quickly and efficiently.”
Integratable across a wide range of air platforms, Red Kite draws on the company’s extensive experience in precision-guided weapons, particularly Paveway IV. The system also offers the RAF a low-cost, high-volume capability. Gray added: “The aim of Red Kite is to get capability to the front line faster, reduce costs, increase availability, and meet our customers’ needs at critical moments. This system is a clear step toward a more resilient and sovereign UK defence industrial base.”
Domestic Supply Chain and Employment Contributions
Red Kite will be sourced through an extensive UK supply chain spread across the country. The programme brings together specialist design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities from across England, Scotland, and Wales under one umbrella. Systems electronics and software work in Harlow, along with control actuation system production in Glenrothes, are at the heart of this effort.
The programme will directly support approximately 140 highly skilled jobs in its initial phase, contributing to the nation’s sovereign defence capabilities.
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Source: C4Defence– RTX
