Raytheon UK has introduced Red Kite, its first sovereign precision weapon fully designed and digitally engineered in the United Kingdom.
The affordable, highly deployable precision weapon, developed with a consortium of British defence partners, uses the existing Stormbreaker airframe and can be integrated across a wide range of air platforms.
Red Kite will be delivered through a nationwide UK supply chain, including 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.
“Red Kite was designed with affordability and adaptability in mind, and marks a significant step forward for UK defence,” according to Raytheon UK chief executive and managing director James Gray.
“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 is about getting capability to the frontline faster – reducing cost, increasing availability and meeting our customers' needs when it matters most… It represents a clear step toward a more resilient, sovereign UK defence industrial base.”
Robert Dougherty
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