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 initiated Project NYX, allocating $13 million to four companies (Anduril U.K., BAE Systems, Tekever, and Thales U.K.) to develop autonomous "loyal wingman" drones.
These uncrewed drones are designed to operate alongside AH-64E Apache helicopters, aiming to enhance pilot safety, extend operational range, and execute various missions, including surveillance and weapons deployment, with humans retaining control over weapon use.
The project's goal is to have these loyal wingmen operational by 2030, with one or two final partners selected later this fall.
This U.K. initiative is part of a wider global trend, paralleling similar autonomous combat aircraft development programs 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.