BAE Systems, Leonardo and Tekever are among the defence firms chosen to put forward designs
Defence Secretary John Healey (right), shown the Tekever AR5 drone, by Director of Defence at Tekever, Karl Brew (centre), and Deputy Director of Defence at Tekever, Scott McClelland, during a visit to Tekever’s new military drone production facility in Swindon(Image: Jaimi Joy/PA Wire)
The government has selected seven companies to put forward designs for “futuristic drones” that will accompany British army helicopters into battle. The programme – known as Project NYX – will see ministers work alongside defence firms to advance the development of Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) to operate alongside Apache attack helicopters.
The invitation to tender follows a pre-qualification phase that concluded late in 2025. The defence firms selected are: Anduril, BAE Systems, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin UK, Syos, Tekever and Thales.
Tekever, one of Europe’s top drone manufacturing enterprises, opened its biggest UK drone factory in Swindon in September. The plant is based at The Spectrum Building, which was built in 1982 and designed by Sir Norman Foster.
The government said the drones would act as ‘”loyal wingmen”, working alongside crewed Apache attack helicopters to perform a variety of complex tasks such as reconnaissance and surveillance in contested areas; strike and target acquisition; and electronic warfare.
It is understood the tech will be used alongside “the heavy metal” of tanks and artillery in a bid to make Britain’s Armed Forces “stronger and safer on the battlefield”.
The drones will operate on a “command rather than control’ principle”, according to the government, and will use AI.
“They will enhance lethality, survivability, and mission effectiveness while reducing the risk and logistical burden for human-operated systems,” the government said in a statement.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard said: “These drones of the future will make the British Army more effective and lethal by enhancing our ability to strike, survive and win on the battlefield.
“Project NYX represents the cutting edge of the Defence Industrial Strategy, working with leading British industry partners to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of autonomous military technology.”
In March, the shortlist will be narrowed to four suppliers who will be offered contracts to participate in research and development to produce a concept demonstrator, with initial operational capability targeted for 2030.
