Apache helicopter 'loyal wingmen' support drones to be used for precision strikes, other duties — British Army's Project NYX funding money goes to four firms as effort hits new milestone
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded £10 million to four British firms to develop autonomous 'loyal wingman' drones for Apache helicopters under Project NYX. These drones are intended to enhance reconnaissance, precision strike, target acquisition, and electronic warfare capabilities while reducing risk to personnel. The drones will not autonomously use or trigger weapons, with final decisions remaining under human control.
- ▪The UK Ministry of Defence has selected Anduril Industries (UK) Ltd, BAE Systems Operations Ltd, Tekever Ltd, and Thales UK Ltd for Project NYX.
- ▪Each company will develop its own drone design, with prototypes to be evaluated in fall 2026 before final selection.
- ▪The drones are designed to support Apache helicopters in contested environments but will not autonomously deploy weapons.
- ▪The MoD plans for operational deployment of the drone wingmen by 2030.
- ▪Project NYX aims to increase Apache lethality and survivability through advanced autonomy, sensors, and payloads.
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Tech Industry Apache helicopter 'loyal wingmen' support drones to be used for precision strikes, other duties — British Army's Project NYX funding money goes to four firms as effort hits new milestone News By Mark Tyson published 16 May 2026 Drones will bolster Apache ‘reconnaissance, precision strike, target acquisition and electronic warfare’ capabilities says the MoD. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: BAE Systems via UK Gov website) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has chosen four British firms to partner for…
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