GKN Aerospace has been identified as the builder of the wings, fins and control surfaces for BAE Systems’ secret Brontanax Collaborative Combat Aircraft prototype. BAE said on 2026-07-30 that the aircraft is a pre-series, pre-production prototype and the UK’s first British-designed uncrewed autonomous CCA, with the structures produced at GKN Aerospace’s Cowes facility on the Isle of Wight.
The disclosure follows the Brontanax unveiling at Farnborough International Airshow on 2026-07-22. BAE’s FalconWorks rapid development unit is behind the prototype effort, which is linked to the Royal Air Force “Storm Fighter” requirement and the UK Defence Investment Plan allocation of £300 million.
BAE said GKN Aerospace completed engineering, manufacture and prototype integration of the aircraft’s major flight structures. The newly revealed supply-chain role shows that Brontanax is already beyond the level of a simple display mock-up, with flight-ready structures integrated into the prototype.
BAE also ties the programme to Warton, Lancashire, while GKN’s work was carried out at its composite design and assembly facility in Cowes. BAE says Brontanax is intended to fly alongside crewed aircraft such as Typhoon, and first flight testing is planned for 2027. The company has not disclosed performance data such as range, payload or full combat configuration.