Latest news with #AndurilUK
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Anduril Industries UK and Archer, Supported by Skyports Drone Services and AtkinsRéalis, Team Up to Test Dual-Use eVTOL Cargo Aircraft in UK Market
LONDON, May 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anduril Industries UK today is announcing that it will lead a team for upcoming programmes, including to bid for future flight opportunities. Anduril UK, building on its existing partnership with aerospace company Archer, will receive additional support from Skyports Drone Services and AtkinsRéalis, two other leading technology companies. Together, Anduril and its partners will explore civil and defence applications in the UK using Archer's Midnight eVTOL aircraft. This includes explorations for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, enabling low-emission, rapid-response logistics to support a wide range of UK-focused civil and military use cases, including cargo. Anduril will serve as the lead systems integrator incorporating software-defined mission autonomy, communications, and command-and-control systems tailored for UK operational needs. Archer will act as the platform provider, adapting Archer's Midnight platform for dual-use applications and continuing its work with Anduril on the planned hybrid aircraft. This also marks Anduril bringing in Archer's VTOL technologies to the UK market, furthering investment, job creation and competition to strengthen the UK's capabilities in aviation and defence, and furthering Anduril UK's commitment to UK Defence and wider economic growth. The group will also continue work together on Archer and Anduril's previously announced hybrid-propulsion VTOL aircraft. This approach to air system design and development will be supported by AtkinsRéalis' deep expertise in safely and efficiently incorporating novel aviation technologies into UK airspace – AtkinsRéalis was recently appointed as the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) first approved assessor of commercial drones. Skyports Drone Services complements this with its own extensive operational experience, having delivered numerous beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) campaigns for major clients including the NHS and Royal Mail. In 2024, it took part in The Royal Navy Heavy Lift Challenge, showcasing the efficacy of dual-use aircraft. By combining the latest advancements in eVTOL aircraft development, software-defined systems integration, regulatory expertise and operational delivery, this team is well-positioned to support the UK's ambition to become a global leader in aviation technologies. Dr Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril UK, said, "The UK has clear ambitions both for innovation and growth, as well as to continue its leadership in advanced air mobility. This partnership brings together Archer's leading eVTOL technology, Skyports' infrastructure expertise and AtkinsRéalis' safety systems in order to support future flight projects, accelerating VTOL and BVLOS developments. It also unlocks opportunities in defence and civil domains, including rapid, low-emission urban transport and surveillance capabilities for defence applications. Introducing Archer to the UK, alongside experienced local partners, marks a step forward in delivering integrated air mobility." Verity Richardson, Head of Business Development, UK, at Archer, said, "This team marks the next phase of our partnership with Anduril. There's an incredible amount of opportunity here in the UK and worldwide to deploy dual-use advanced aircraft and we look forward to making it a reality." Alex Brown, Director of Skyports Drone Services, said, "The UK Government is making strong progress in enabling permanent BVLOS drone operations so partnering with Anduril and Archer is a natural step, as we onboard more advanced aircraft and increase our payload and range capabilities. Our first project on cargo services will lay the groundwork for other applications with significant value, such as surveillance and search and rescue." David Clark, Global Head of Aerospace & Defence, AtkinsRéalis, said, "Leveraging our experience in novel aircraft design and emerging regulatory frameworks, AtkinsRéalis will be supporting the team to safely integrate automated uncrewed aircrafts into the UK's skies. The combination of local expertise with investment from industry leaders like Archer and Anduril will strengthen the UK's position at the forefront of the future of flight." Anduril UK's software-focused approach to product development enables it to deploy new systems on compressed timelines, fielding several dual-use military capabilities, most notably providing the Ghost autonomous uncrewed air system to the UK MOD. The programme would further demonstrate Anduril UK's commitment to engineering and manufacturing scalable technologies in the UK, building on current approaches, and bringing further investment and job creation. Over the past two years, AtkinsRéalis and Skyports have been demonstrating the feasibility of an eVTOL ecosystem in the UK, as members of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, which is supported by the Future Flight Challenge Phase 3. This consortium is developing key technology and infrastructure, and exploring key aspects of the passenger journey, vehicle operation, airspace navigation, ground charging, and local stakeholder engagement. About Anduril Industries UK Anduril has been operating in the UK since 2019, securing contracts with UK MOD and wider UK Government. They have rapidly expanded their UK footprint from four to more than 40 in two years and intend to double again in the next twelve months, focusing on high-value technology manufacturing. Anduril UK is committed to strengthening sovereign UK defence capabilities by investing in R&D, autonomous systems, and AI-enabled Command-and-Control platforms - all essential to delivering the UK's vision of a resilient and innovative defence sector. For more information, visit About Archer Archer is designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft necessary to power the future of aviation. To learn more, visit About Skyports Drone Services Skyports Drone Services is the world's leading drone airline. We are experts in BVLOS flight for delivery and inspection use cases. We partner with maritime and offshore industries, healthcare providers, infrastructure and asset owners, and public bodies to improve connectivity, safety and sustainability with drone operations. Skyports Drone Services is committed to scaling the drone industry to enable businesses and individuals to reap the rewards of drone technology. Skyports' CEO Duncan Walker Co-Chairs the Future of Flight Industry Group alongside Aviation Minister Mike Kane. Find out more at: About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organisations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. News and information are available at or follow us on LinkedIn. Archer Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward looking statements regarding Archer's future business plans and expectations, including statements regarding Archer's business strategy, products, and technology, as well as plans and objectives of management for future operations. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed in Archer's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K available at In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that Archer believes to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. Archer undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events. Source: ArcherText: ArcherIR View source version on Contacts For more information please contact Anduril UK Victoria MackarnessVictoria@ +44 7852 128075 Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Anduril Industries UK and Archer, Supported by Skyports Drone Services and AtkinsRéalis, Team Up to Test Dual-Use eVTOL Cargo Aircraft in UK Market
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Anduril Industries UK today is announcing that it will lead a team for upcoming programmes, including to bid for future flight opportunities. Anduril UK, building on its existing partnership with aerospace company Archer, will receive additional support from Skyports Drone Services and AtkinsRéalis, two other leading technology companies. Together, Anduril and its partners will explore civil and defence applications in the UK using Archer's Midnight eVTOL aircraft. This includes explorations for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, enabling low-emission, rapid-response logistics to support a wide range of UK-focused civil and military use cases, including cargo. Anduril will serve as the lead systems integrator incorporating software-defined mission autonomy, communications, and command-and-control systems tailored for UK operational needs. Archer will act as the platform provider, adapting Archer's Midnight platform for dual-use applications and continuing its work with Anduril on the planned hybrid aircraft. This also marks Anduril bringing in Archer's VTOL technologies to the UK market, furthering investment, job creation and competition to strengthen the UK's capabilities in aviation and defence, and furthering Anduril UK's commitment to UK Defence and wider economic growth. The group will also continue work together on Archer and Anduril's previously announced hybrid-propulsion VTOL aircraft. This approach to air system design and development will be supported by AtkinsRéalis' deep expertise in safely and efficiently incorporating novel aviation technologies into UK airspace – AtkinsRéalis was recently appointed as the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) first approved assessor of commercial drones. Skyports Drone Services complements this with its own extensive operational experience, having delivered numerous beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) campaigns for major clients including the NHS and Royal Mail. In 2024, it took part in The Royal Navy Heavy Lift Challenge, showcasing the efficacy of dual-use aircraft. By combining the latest advancements in eVTOL aircraft development, software-defined systems integration, regulatory expertise and operational delivery, this team is well-positioned to support the UK's ambition to become a global leader in aviation technologies. Dr Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril UK, said, 'The UK has clear ambitions both for innovation and growth, as well as to continue its leadership in advanced air mobility. This partnership brings together Archer's leading eVTOL technology, Skyports' infrastructure expertise and AtkinsRéalis' safety systems in order to support future flight projects, accelerating VTOL and BVLOS developments. It also unlocks opportunities in defence and civil domains, including rapid, low-emission urban transport and surveillance capabilities for defence applications. Introducing Archer to the UK, alongside experienced local partners, marks a step forward in delivering integrated air mobility.' Verity Richardson, Head of Business Development, UK, at Archer, said, 'This team marks the next phase of our partnership with Anduril. There's an incredible amount of opportunity here in the UK and worldwide to deploy dual-use advanced aircraft and we look forward to making it a reality.' Alex Brown, Director of Skyports Drone Services, said, 'The UK Government is making strong progress in enabling permanent BVLOS drone operations so partnering with Anduril and Archer is a natural step, as we onboard more advanced aircraft and increase our payload and range capabilities. Our first project on cargo services will lay the groundwork for other applications with significant value, such as surveillance and search and rescue.' David Clark, Global Head of Aerospace & Defence, AtkinsRéalis, said, 'Leveraging our experience in novel aircraft design and emerging regulatory frameworks, AtkinsRéalis will be supporting the team to safely integrate automated uncrewed aircrafts into the UK's skies. The combination of local expertise with investment from industry leaders like Archer and Anduril will strengthen the UK's position at the forefront of the future of flight.' Anduril UK's software-focused approach to product development enables it to deploy new systems on compressed timelines, fielding several dual-use military capabilities, most notably providing the Ghost autonomous uncrewed air system to the UK MOD. The programme would further demonstrate Anduril UK's commitment to engineering and manufacturing scalable technologies in the UK, building on current approaches, and bringing further investment and job creation. Over the past two years, AtkinsRéalis and Skyports have been demonstrating the feasibility of an eVTOL ecosystem in the UK, as members of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, which is supported by the Future Flight Challenge Phase 3. This consortium is developing key technology and infrastructure, and exploring key aspects of the passenger journey, vehicle operation, airspace navigation, ground charging, and local stakeholder engagement. About Anduril Industries UK Anduril has been operating in the UK since 2019, securing contracts with UK MOD and wider UK Government. They have rapidly expanded their UK footprint from four to more than 40 in two years and intend to double again in the next twelve months, focusing on high-value technology manufacturing. Anduril UK is committed to strengthening sovereign UK defence capabilities by investing in R&D, autonomous systems, and AI-enabled Command-and-Control platforms - all essential to delivering the UK's vision of a resilient and innovative defence sector. For more information, visit About Archer Archer is designing and developing the key enabling technologies and aircraft necessary to power the future of aviation. To learn more, visit About Skyports Drone Services Skyports Drone Services is the world's leading drone airline. We are experts in BVLOS flight for delivery and inspection use cases. We partner with maritime and offshore industries, healthcare providers, infrastructure and asset owners, and public bodies to improve connectivity, safety and sustainability with drone operations. Skyports Drone Services is committed to scaling the drone industry to enable businesses and individuals to reap the rewards of drone technology. Skyports' CEO Duncan Walker Co-Chairs the Future of Flight Industry Group alongside Aviation Minister Mike Kane. About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organisations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. News and information are available at or follow us on LinkedIn. Archer Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward looking statements regarding Archer's future business plans and expectations, including statements regarding Archer's business strategy, products, and technology, as well as plans and objectives of management for future operations. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted are more fully detailed in Archer's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K available at In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that Archer believes to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. Archer undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events. Source: Archer Text: ArcherIR
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Russia is spying on UK waters – here's how Britain can fight back
Some 500 metres below the sea's surface, a battle of silent surveillance is set to take place. Last week, Russian sensors were found hidden in the seas surrounding Britain, which are probably intended to spy on the UK's nuclear submarines. This week, Nato military chiefs warned of global internet blackouts following a number of suspected Russian attacks on undersea fibre-optic cables. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, warned in January that a Russian intelligence ship had entered the UK exclusive economic zone, about 45 miles off the coast, to map Britain's critical underwater infrastructure. The threat of war beneath the nation's waters has never been more prevalent. However, a static device that nestles into the seabed to quietly track overhead activity is about to change the way Britain's adversaries are monitored. Whereas frigates and submarines tow their sonar, making the vessels detectable to external threats, the new device, known as Seabed Sentry, does not move once in position. The sensors, which are contained within a pressurised carbon fibre case, are dropped from an autonomous underwater vehicle. They form a grid on the seabed, which acts like a tripwire, using sonar to pick up signals overhead. After using AI software to assess the threat level of passing vessels, the devices can decide whether to raise the alarm for a ship or submarine to further investigate. Positioned around key areas such as pipes, undersea cables and strategically important shipping routes, the devices' constant yet silent observations mean they go unnoticed, proving lethal to the enemy. With 95 per cent of all international data carried within 500 cables beneath the sea, an attack on this infrastructure would have devastating consequences. The threat has prompted Anduril UK, an Anglo-American defence and tech company, to work with the British companies Sonardyne and Ultra Maritime to find new ways of policing UK waters. Dr Richard Drake, the general manager of the defence firm, told The Telegraph that with the number of surface crew vessels within the Royal Navy declining at a time while the sub-sea threat is increasing, Anduril UK spotted a problem. 'The threat to the UK is a lot of Russian ships and Chinese shipping around the UK,' he said. 'We can't be everywhere at once to chase them down. With Seabed Sentry, the devices drop on the seabed so they can always be looking, while our adversaries don't know where these things are.' At a time when the military is suffering a retention and recruitment crisis and the numbers of personnel across the forces are dwindling, the Armed Forces are looking to autonomous systems as it strives to be lethal with fewer people. Dr Drake added: 'Seabed Sentry is about doing more with less. It's multiplying your effectiveness without using multiple people.' The devices are cheaper to both manufacture and to run as they work independently, so do not rely on ships and helicopters circling overhead to communicate feedback. Dr Drake said: 'Bigger defence systems take years to get there, whereas we had this idea 18 months ago and we will be in the water within two years testing it. The speed from conception to testing is fast. 'Something like Seabed Sentry is part of an overall defensive strategy where you are using traditional warfare but this type of capability gives you another string to your bow.' Although the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has yet to purchase the Seabed Sentry, it works closely with Anduril UK, having recently agreed to supply new US-made attack drones made by the company to Ukraine. In March, Mr Healey visited the company's factory in Washington DC after the MoD signed a £30 million contract for the loitering munitions. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK signs deal to supply advanced strike drones to Ukraine
The United Kingdom has announced a deal with the Anglo-American defence technology company Anduril UK which will allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to obtain more advanced strike drones to counter Russian aggression in the Black Sea. Source: a statement by the UK government, as reported by European Pravda Details: The deal was agreed ahead of a meeting between UK Defence Secretary John Healey and his American counterpart Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon. The new contracts, valued at nearly £30 million, involve the supply of Anduril's latest drones, the Altius 600m and Altius 700m, which are designed for surveillance of the terrain prior to launching strikes on targets. Quote from Healey: "We are determined to achieve a secure, lasting peace in Ukraine, which means putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position to prevent any return to Russian aggression." Details: The work with Anduril UK has been led by Defence Equipment & Support – the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence – on behalf of the UK-managed International Fund for Ukraine (IFU). The Ukrainian Armed Forces are expected to receive the drones, launchers and spare parts in the coming months. Background: It was reported that the Latvian government has allocated €10 million for the production of Ukrainian drones. Norway has also announced that it is joining the drone coalition. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Britain reaches deal with defence company to supply advanced attack drones to Ukraine
LONDON (Reuters) - The British government said on Thursday it had struck a deal with a defence tech company to allow Ukrainian armed forces to use more advanced attack drones in the Black Sea. The defence ministry said in a statement the contracts, totalling nearly 30 million pounds ($38.68 million), will result in Anduril UK supplying to Ukraine drones designed to monitor an area before striking targets that enter it. ($1 = 0.7756 pounds)
