UK MoD downselects seven companies to offer ‘loyal wingmen’ for British Army Apaches

A programme to build ‘wingman’ unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to operate alongside British Army Apache attack helicopters is advancing, with seven companies invited to bring forward their designs for what is known as Project NYX, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 24 January 2026.

The invitation to tender follows a rigorous pre-qualification phase that concluded late in 2025, with Anduril, BAE Systems, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin UK, Syos, Tekever and Thales downselected.

In March 2026 the shortlist will be further downselected to four suppliers, when they will be offered contracts to participate in research and development to produce a concept demonstrator, with initial operational capability targeted for 2030.

When completed the UAVs will be able to function as ‘loyal wingmen’, working alongside crewed Apache attack helicopters to perform a variety of complex tasks, such as reconnaissance and surveillance in contested areas, strike and target acquisition and electronic warfare.

“Through the Strategic Defence Review, the UK is pivoting to a new way of war; by harnessing new technology our armed forces will increasingly utilise uncrewed and autonomous capabilities to generate mass and lethality,” the UK MoD stated. “Project NYX is delivery of that work in action, capitalising on the power of drones, AI and autonomy to complement the ‘heavy metal’ of tanks and artillery to make our armed forces stronger and safer on the battlefield.”

The UAVs will operate on a ‘command rather than control’ principle, utilising AI for independent decision-making. being able to adjust to complex battlefield situations within the bounds of mission parameters.

The MoD says the UAV loyal wingmen “will enhance lethality, survivability, and mission effectiveness while reducing the risk and logistical burden for human-operated systems”.

“These drones of the future will make the British Army more effective and lethal by enhancing our ability to strike, survive and win on the battlefield,” UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard was quoted as saying by the MoD. “Project NYX represents the cutting edge of the Defence Industrial Strategy, working with leading British industry partners to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of autonomous military technology.”

The British Army’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters could be operating with ‘loyal wingman’ UAVs by 2030 under plans being pursued under Project NYX. [Crown Copyright]