Raytheon UK, part of RTX (NYSE: RTX), unveiled Red Kite at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 21, 2026, describing it as the company's first precision weapon fully designed and digitally engineered in the United Kingdom.

The weapon was developed over five years in collaboration with a consortium of British defense partners. It uses the existing Stormbreaker airframe and is designed to integrate across multiple air platforms. Raytheon UK said digital modeling technologies accelerated the program from concept to prototype.

James Gray, managing director and chief executive of Raytheon UK, said the weapon was built with affordability and adaptability in mind. "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," Gray said.

Raytheon UK said Red Kite is intended to complement existing precision weapons such as Paveway IV by adding a cost-effective, high-volume option to expand RAF stockpiles.

The program will rely on a UK-wide supply chain, with systems electronics and software work based in Harlow, England, and control actuation systems in Glenrothes, Scotland. Raytheon UK estimates the program will directly support approximately 140 skilled jobs across England, Scotland, and Wales.