England’s Taranis to be one of the largest UAVs ever

"This contract will test cutting edge technology for a new generation of equipment for our front line forces. This is something that would not be out of place in the latest James Bond film – a pilotless combat aircraft for the British Armed Forces that will be capable of delivering weapons to a battlefield in another continent with almost no need for operator input,” Lord Drayson said.

"It does not come much more exciting than that. Taranis has the potential to revolutionise the way we conduct military operations. It is every bit as significant as vertical lift technology that we see in the Harrier or the advent of the attack helicopter.

"The partnership between the MOD and industry led by BAE is an example of what lies at the heart of the Defence Industrial Strategy that was launched a year ago - ensuring MOD and industry work together more effectively to ensure our Forces get the equipment they need."

"The experience and knowledge gained from Taranis will also support the next generation of combat aircraft including the Joint Strike Fighter. It will empower decisions the RAF and MOD need to make at the start of the next decade on future air capability and the mix between manned and unmanned aircraft.

"If Barnes Wallis and RJ Mitchell were here today they would be impressed."

Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice-Marshal Chris Moran added, "This is a very exciting programme – it will deliver important developments for the RAF of the future and add a new dimension to the force mix which should enhance our battle-winning capability. This is a cornerstone capability transformation for Defence.

"Taranis represents an historic milestone in the UK's drive to develop a stealthy unmanned combat aerial vehicle to deliver capability in the deep battle of the future."

The Replica programme

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