British Companies Selected To Develop Prototypes.

London; January 2026: Through the Strategic Defence Review, the United Kingdom is pivoting to a new way of war, by harnessing new technology for the Armed Forces, that would increasingly utilise uncrewed and autonomous capabilities to generate mass and lethality. Known as Project NYX, the programme is an innovative approach to work alongside industry to advance development of Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) to operate alongside Apache attack helicopters.

Seven industry partners have been invited to bring forward their designs for the futuristic drones, which will accompany British Army helicopters in future battles. When completed the drones will be able to function 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.

Project NYX is delivery of that work in action, capitalising on the power of drones, AI and autonomy to complement the ‘heavy metal’ of tanks and artillery to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer on the battlefield. The drones will operate on a ‘command rather than control’ principle, utilising AI for independent decision-making, being able to adjust to complex battlefield situations within the bounds of mission parameters. They will enhance lethality, survivability, and mission effectiveness while reducing the risk and logistical burden for human-operated systems.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP 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”. Further adding he reiterated, “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”.

The invitation to tender has marked a rigorous pre-qualification phase that concluded late in 2025. Backing British companies and making defence an engine for growth, the 07 shortlisted industry partners are as follows:

• Anduril
• BAE Systems
• Leonardo
• Lockheed Martin UK
• Syos
• Tekever
• Thales

In March 2026 the shortlist will be further down selected to 04 suppliers, when they will be invited to and offered contracts to participate in research and development to produce a concept demonstrator, with initial operational capability targeted for 2030.

Team Maverick.