Raytheon UK unveils sovereign, digitally engineered precision weapon Red Kite
Raytheon UK unveiled Red Kite, a sovereign precision weapon designed and engineered in the UK, at the Farnborough Airshow. The weapon leverages digital modelling and existing Stormbreaker airframe to enhance RAF stockpiles and operational flexibility.
Raytheon UK, part of RTX, introduced Red Kite at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 21, 2026. Developed with British defence partners over five years, the weapon is the first sovereign precision munition fully designed and digitally engineered in the UK. It uses advanced digital modelling to accelerate development from concept to prototype, aiming to rapidly scale critical stockpiles for the RAF.
Red Kite integrates the existing Stormbreaker airframe and can be deployed across multiple air platforms, building on Raytheon UK’s experience with weapons like Paveway IV. The programme prioritises affordability and adaptability, reducing costs and increasing availability to meet frontline operational demands. Raytheon UK estimates approximately 140 highly skilled jobs will directly support the initiative.
The weapon will be produced through a nationwide UK supply chain, involving specialist design, engineering and manufacturing expertise across England, Scotland and Wales. Key components include systems electronics and software in Harlow, and control actuation systems in Glenrothes. The programme aims to sustain high-skilled jobs and advance sovereign defence capabilities.
Raytheon UK, with over 2,000 employees in the UK, serves as a major supplier to the Ministry of Defence. The company designs, develops and manufactures defence and space products, while investing in research and development to support innovation. Red Kite represents a step toward a more resilient UK defence industrial base.