Enhanced Battlefield Surveillance for British Forces
British soldiers are set to receive improved protection and enhanced intelligence capabilities on the battlefield with the introduction of advanced ‘spy’ drones. A significant investment of up to £400 million has been allocated for long-endurance surveillance drones, complemented by a separate £16 million deal for over one thousand smaller drones, marking a pivotal advancement in military technology.
This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to modernise the Army’s drone capabilities, as outlined in the Defence Investment Plan. The new systems range from compact, user-friendly drones that provide real-time situational awareness to larger, more sophisticated aircraft designed to offer commanders comprehensive intelligence over extended distances and timeframes.
New Contracts and Technological Advancements
A contract valued at up to £400 million has been awarded to Tekever for the deployment of their AR5 drone, a long-endurance surveillance aircraft capable of carrying up to 50kg of cameras and sensors. This new drone is set to replace the ageing Watchkeeper system, which has been in operation since 2014.
In addition, a contract for the delivery of over 1,025 small drones has been finalised with three UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises, with deliveries already in progress. The announcement was made by Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, during this year’s Defence Vehicle Dynamics event, which showcases advancements in land warfare technology.
Transforming Military Capabilities
Minister Pollard emphasised the importance of providing cutting-edge technology to soldiers, stating: “Our soldiers deserve the best technology, and that’s what we’re delivering. From small drones giving troops eyes on the enemy to the AR5 offering commanders better intelligence over the battlefield, we’re transforming the Army’s ability to see, understand, and act first.”
This procurement strategy not only supports British industry but also fosters job creation, ensuring that the Armed Forces maintain a competitive edge over potential adversaries.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
Both drone programmes are contributing to job growth across the UK. The Tekever contract is expected to support over 1,000 skilled jobs by 2030 across various locations, including Bristol, Swindon, Lydd, London, Southampton, Edinburgh, and West Wales Airport. The smaller drone initiative has already created more than 30 new positions, with 18 filled by veterans in regions such as Hampshire, Surrey, and Exeter.
This initiative exemplifies the government’s dedication to bolstering local businesses and industries, fostering job creation, and driving economic growth in communities across the nation.
Details on the Small Drone Deliveries
The small drones being deployed include:
- 245 FOXE-NATO drones from Evolve Dynamics in Hampshire, weighing under 250g and equipped with infrared cameras for night operations.
- 670 Skydio X10 INTL drones from Marlborough Communications Limited in Surrey, which can take off within a minute and reach speeds of up to 45mph.
- 110 SONORA drones produced through a collaboration between Brigantes Consulting in Exeter and Harmattan AI, designed to aid in the training of soldiers prior to operational deployment.
The Tekever AR5 contract begins with an initial order of six drones, with the potential to increase to 24 units by 2029. These drones are slated for production at a new Tekever facility in Swindon and have already seen action in Ukraine.
Commitment to National Security and Technological Advancements
Karl Brew, Managing Director of Tekever UK, expressed pride in delivering the AR5 to the British Army at such a crucial time for national security. He noted that this investment not only facilitates the expansion of their UK operations but also creates hundreds of skilled jobs while introducing cutting-edge surveillance technology, already proven in conflict zones, to British forces.
The small drone initiative has been executed by the UK National Armaments Director Group and is part of Project Rapstone, aimed at rapidly integrating new technologies into the Army’s arsenal. The overarching goal is to double the Army’s fighting power by 2027 and ensure that new equipment is accessible to frontline troops within 24 months.
The Defence Investment Plan further underscores a commitment to enhancing the Army’s long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, heralding a new era of uncrewed aerial systems to replace legacy equipment like the Watchkeeper drones.