page_title: BAE Systems Taranis
section_title: Background
hierarchical_section_title: BAE Systems Taranis / Background
caption_attribution_description: English: Model of BAE Taranis UAV on display at Farnborough Airshow 2008
context_page_description: The BAE Systems Taranis is a British demonstrator programme for unmanned combat aerial vehicle technology, under development primarily by the defence contractor BAE Systems Military Air & Information. The aircraft, which is named after the Celtic god of thunder Taranis, first flew in 2013. An unmanned warplane, the Taranis is designed to fly intercontinental missions, and will carry a variety of weapons, enabling it to attack both aerial and ground targets. It will use stealth technology, giving it a low radar profile, and it will be controllable via satellite link from anywhere on Earth. An operational derivative of the Taranis, the proposed Future Combat Air System is expected to enter military service after 2030.
context_section_description: The development of UAVs was a key part of the UK's Defence Industrial Strategy, which was announced in December 2005, and specified the need for the UK to maintain its "sovereign" aircraft and UAV/UCAV construction skills. The Strategic Unmanned Air Vehicles (Experiment) Integrated Project Team, or SUAV(E) IPT, was given responsibility for auditing and overseeing the Taranis project.
caption: Model of BAE Taranis UAV on display at Farnborough Airshow in 2008.
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