UK Ministry of Defence Commits £416M to Tactical Drones and Long-Range Surveillance Fleet

The UK Ministry of Defence has announced plans to purchase over 1,000 compact intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drones for the British Army as part of its Defence Investment Plan, according to reporting by TechRadar Pro (https://www.techradar.com/pro/the-british-army-is-spending-gbp16-million-on-1-000-small-drones-in-a-bid-to-boost-battlefield-operations).

The £16 million small-drone initiative procures a total of 1,025 uncrewed aerial systems from three UK-based suppliers to assist frontline troops with field reconnaissance and emerging threat detection.

Under the agreement, Hampshire-based Evolve Dynamics will supply 245 FOXE-NATO drones. Weighing under 250 grams, the lightweight units feature infrared cameras for night operations and are designed for rapid deployment from a backpack or pouch.

In addition, Surrey-based Marlborough Communications Limited will deliver 670 Skydio X10 INTL drones, designed by California-based Skydio, which deploy quickly and reach operational speeds of up to 45 mph. Exeter-based Brigantes Consulting and Harmattan AI will provide 110 SONORA drones, which will serve as training devices to prepare personnel for field operations.

Alongside the tactical drone package, the MoD announced a £400 million investment to replace the Watchkeeper Uncrewed Air System. Watchkeeper has operated since 2014 and is scheduled to be retired in 2027.

The replacement program funds a fleet of Tekever AR5 endurance surveillance drones, starting with six units and expanding to 24 by 2029. Assembled in Swindon, UK, the AR5 carries up to 50 kilograms of sensors and cameras and has previously seen operational service in Ukraine. The MoD expects the contract to support 1,000 jobs across UK sites including London, Edinburgh, and the South West.

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said the combined procurements will enhance battlefield visibility while supporting domestic industry and skilled employment. Tekever UK Managing Director Karl Brew stated that the contract will expand the company's UK manufacturing operations and workforce as it brings combat-tested surveillance systems into British service.