LONDON, UK (Farnborough Air Show), July 21, 2026 – Raytheon UK has introduced Red Kite, a precision weapon designed and digitally engineered in the United Kingdom. The company developed the weapon with a consortium of British defense partners over five years.
Red Kite uses the Stormbreaker airframe and can be integrated across a range of air platforms. Raytheon UK used digital modeling technologies to move the weapon from concept to prototype. The program builds on Raytheon UK’s work on the Paveway IV precision weapon.
“Red Kite was designed with affordability and adaptability in mind, and marks a significant step forward for UK defense,” 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 is about getting capability to the frontline faster – 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 defense industrial base.”
Red Kite will be delivered through a UK supply chain spanning England, Scotland, and Wales. Systems electronics and software development will take place in Harlow, while control actuation systems will be produced in Glenrothes. Raytheon UK estimates the program will support about 140 jobs.
Source: RTX
About Raytheon UK
Raytheon UK is headquartered in Essex, UK. The company operates as part of RTX and provides technology and services to defense, national security, government, and commercial markets. Its work spans weapons and sensors, air traffic management systems, power systems, assured positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), cyber and space systems, intelligence and mission training, and transformation services. Raytheon UK maintains operations and facilities across England, Scotland, and Wales, supporting a range of military and civilian programs. The company functions as a UK business unit within the global RTX group. Raytheon UK delivers products and services aimed at supporting mission readiness, secure communications, critical infrastructure, and defense capabilities for both domestic and international customers.