U.K. Picks 4 Firms to Build Drone ‘Wingmen’ for Apaches

Anduril U.K., BAE Systems, Tekever, and Thales U.K. will compete for final contracts.

Jack Daleo

Friday, May 15, 2026 at 03:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

BAE Systems and Cento Aerospace are working to turn the latter’s Capstone drones into ‘loyal wingmen’ for Apache helicopters. [Credit: BAE Systems]

Key Takeaways:

The U.K. Ministry of Defense (MOD) has launched Project NYX, awarding $13 million to Anduril U.K., BAE Systems, Tekever, and Thales U.K. to develop autonomous "loyal wingmen" drones for AH-64E Apache helicopters.
These drones are intended to enhance pilot safety, extend operational range, and perform various missions from surveillance to weapons deployment (with human oversight), aiming for operational deployment by 2030.
The MOD will select one or two final partners this fall, with this initiative aligning with similar uncrewed loyal wingman programs being pursued in Europe and the U.S.

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The U.K.’s Ministry of Defense (MOD) will evaluate four autonomous drone designs that could one day serve as “loyal wingmen” to AH-64E Apache helicopters.

The MOD on Friday awarded about $13 million to Anduril U.K., BAE Systems, Tekever, and Thales U.K. for Project NYX—its concept demonstrator program for uncrewed drones intended to keep Apache pilots out of harm’s way, extend operational range, and conduct operations from weapons deployment to surveillance. It said humans would make any decision involving the use of weapons.