The UK’s first uncrewed fighter drone faces challenges as Rolls-Royce is excluded over costs
Category: Business
An "all-British" autonomous fighter jet, the Brontanax, will utilize an American engine due to a cost-related conflict between defense giants BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce. Unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow in late July 2026, the Brontanax is being presented as the sole domestic candidate for the Royal Air Force's (RAF) "loyal wingman" drone program, which is intended to complement manned fighter jets in operations.
Developed by BAE in collaboration with a consortium of over 70 British firms, the Brontanax drone is a key part of the UK’s defense strategy. This initiative aims to bolster the country’s autonomous aerial capabilities, but the exclusion of Rolls-Royce, a long-standing player in the domestic defense sector, raises questions about the future of UK defense manufacturing.
The rift between BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce centers on pricing disputes related to the latter's Orpheus engine, a small demonstrator engine intended for use in loyal-wingman drones. According to sources, BAE deemed the Orpheus engine too expensive and criticized Rolls-Royce for not fully engaging in the development process. As a result, BAE opted for a more cost-effective power system from US manufacturer Williams International.
BAE’s decision to exclude Rolls-Royce signifies a shift in the project’s direction and highlights the competitive nature of the defense industry. Rolls-Royce is currently collaborating with the US and Germany on various drone programs, yet its absence from the UK’s flagship effort marks a notable setback.
BAE Systems is marketing the Brontanax as capable of delivering 70% to 80% of the performance of a Typhoon jet at just 25% of the cost. This ambitious claim has raised eyebrows among defense analysts, who stress the importance of developing a sovereign drone capability that can meet the UK’s defense needs without reliance on foreign technology.
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, emphasized the company’s commitment to buying British wherever possible, stating, "We love to buy British wherever we can." Woodburn added that the relationship with Rolls-Royce remains active across multiple projects, leaving the door open for future collaboration on the Brontanax.
In response to the situation, Tufan Erginbilgic, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce, insisted that the company is "absolutely" capable of providing engines for drones like the Brontanax. When questioned about why Rolls-Royce was not involved in the project, he stated, "You should ask BAE that, but it’s a demonstrator. I expect these two great companies to work on this. How we ended up here, I don’t want to speculate. But going forward, that opportunity definitely exists." He also expressed confidence in Rolls-Royce's technological edge, asserting, "I expect us to lead sovereign propulsion capability in autonomous because we have the capability – that’s newer than many others out there."
Erginbilgic’s comments underline Rolls-Royce's commitment to remaining a key player in the defense sector, even as it navigates this setback. The company’s technology is considered more advanced than that of some competitors, which could position it favorably for future contracts.
The fallout from this dispute has drawn criticism from defense analysts who highlight the national significance of the Brontanax project. Francis Tusa, an independent defense analyst, remarked, "Of course Rolls has got a duty to its shareholders, but this is a project of national importance. If they are quibbling over returns they should, frankly, wind their necks in." Tusa's comments suggest that the stakes are high not just for the companies involved, but for the UK’s defense capabilities as a whole.
With the Brontanax being seen as a flagship project, analysts are concerned about the implications of Rolls-Royce’s exclusion. They argue that the UK should prioritize domestic production and innovation, particularly in light of the growing global competition in defense technologies.
Looking ahead, BAE's FalconWorks division has confirmed that discussions are underway with Rolls-Royce to potentially scale the Orpheus engine to meet future price requirements. This indicates that, even with current tensions, there may be opportunities for collaboration down the line.
As the UK navigates its defense strategy in an increasingly complex global environment, the outcome of the Brontanax project and the relationship between BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce will be closely watched. The government’s support for domestic manufacturing and innovation will play a key role in determining the future of autonomous military capabilities in the UK.