Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS)

Business Air
Location United Kingdom
We produce some of the world's most advanced and capable uncrewed air systems, built on decades of experience. Uncrewed air systems are reshaping modern conflict and delivering affordable combat mass to support frontline platforms. Explore how we’re developing the uncrewed capabilities our customers need.
Uncrewed Air Systems - 25 years of innovation
Uncrewed Air Systems - 25 years of innovation

Expertise in autonomous systems

We have well-established capability in uncrewed and autonomous technologies, built on more than 25 years of complex projects. Building on credentials earnt through iconic programmes like Taranis, we draw from a rich experience in the development of autonomous capabilities. This extends further through FalconWorks, our centre for advanced and agile research and technology development within BAE Systems’ Air sector. 

Our knowledge in developing the latest and most capable military platforms across all domains – and certifying safety – means we have the experience needed to network these to optimum effect.

An expanding portfolio

Our portfolio reaches from the edge of space to the soldier on the ground, addressing the capability requirements of today and tomorrow. It’s strengthened by significant intellectual property and by close collaboration across SMEs, academia, government and industry, which puts us in a strong position to create solutions that work for both customers and regulators.

We are accelerating efforts to develop a family of uncrewed platforms to address a wide range of capability requirements.  

The T-Series product range of all-electric uncrewed air systems offer an affordable alternative for heavy lift requirement for use with both civilian and miltary customers.  Platforms like Koios offer intelligence and surveillance capabilities with a tactical footrpint.   

The development of CCAs will suit more complex mission requirements and our collaboration with Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division will see us explore a range of UAS capabilities and effects including disruptive capabilities.   Extending our capabilities into the stratosphere, the PHASA-35 provides a solar-powered persistent communications capability at a fraction of the cost to satellite systems.

Our uncrewed portfolio differs in range, altitude, size and operational capability to meet the ever-growing and ever more varied and complex needs of our customers.  

Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs)

Collaborative Combat Aircraft, ( CCAs), are an emerging part of this picture. Also referred to as Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs) they complement existing combat air platforms by adding operational utility, flexibility and affordable combat mass, giving commanders more options for the challenges of the coming decade.

CCAs are uncrewed aircraft incorporating goal-based autonomy that is capable of independent or synchronised action with other crewed or uncrewed Combat Air Vehicles. Designed as an attritable system, the CCA concept offers a pathway to increase affordable combat mass and deliver enhanced operational effects. 

Get in touch
Adam Morrison

Head of Communications

Air Sector

BAE Systems