Raytheon UK unveils sovereign, digitally engineered precision weapon Red Kite
Affordable and scalable effector will strengthen RAF stockpile resilience
Farnborough. Raytheon UK, part of RTX’s Raytheon business, on July 21, 2026 introduced Red KiteĀ®, its first sovereign precision weapon fully designed and digitally engineered in the United Kingdom.
Developed with a consortium of British defence partners, Red Kite is an affordable, highly deployable precision weapon that advances the UK’s ability to rapidly scale critical stockpiles. Using advanced digital modelling technologies, the effector quickly moved from concept to prototype.
“Red Kite was designed with affordability and adaptability in mind, and marks a significant step forward for UK defence,” said James Gray, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Raytheon UK. “Working closely with our partners over the past five years, we’ve combined innovative design, digital engineering and proven technologies to develop a sovereign capability for the RAF faster and more efficiently than ever.”
Red Kite uses the existing StormbreakerĀ® airframe and can be integrated across a wide range of air platforms. It builds on Raytheon UK’s extensive experience delivering precision weapons, including Paveway IV and adds a cost-effective, high-volume capability that enhances RAF operational flexibility.
“Red Kite is about getting capability to the frontline faster ā reducing cost, increasing availability and meeting our customers’ needs when it matters most,” added Gray. “It represents a clear step toward a more resilient, sovereign UK defence industrial base.”
Red Kite will be delivered through a nationwide UK supply chain, bringing together specialist design, engineering and manufacturing expertise from across the country. From systems electronics and software in Harlow to control actuation systems in Glenrothes, the programme will sustain high-skilled jobs, advanced manufacturing and sovereign defence capabilities across England, Scotland and Wales. Raytheon UK estimates that approximately 140 highly skilled jobs will directly support this program.
