Latest news with #RichDrake
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
24-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Anduril is considering a UK factory as Europe beefs up military power
Anduril said it is considering plans to open a factory in the UK. The plans come as the EU looks to increase defense spending after the US paused aid to Ukraine. The UK government recently awarded Anduril a £30 million contract to supply drones to Ukraine. Autonomous drone maker Anduril says it will consider manufacturing in the UK as Europe looks to bolster its military power. "If we get enough orders, absolutely we are planning to open a facility in the UK," Rich Drake, the company's UK and Europe manager, told Bloomberg. The European Union earlier this month said it sought to boost defense spending during what it called a new "era of rearmament." The announcement followed President Donald Trump's order to pause US military aid to Ukraine after a contentious televised meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Anduril Industries, cofounded in 2017 by Oculus founder Palmer Luckey, is one of the defense industry's leaders in autonomous drone manufacturing. Over the past few years, Anduril has won hundreds of millions in defense contracts from the US government, including a $642 million deal this month to create anti-drone tech for Marine Corps bases. London-based logistics company Sifted first reported on March 18 that Anduril was considering building a factory, as well as a research and development center, near Oxford and Cambridge, which the UK government has said it wants to be the country's next "Silicon Valley." On March 6, the UK government awarded Anduril £30 million to supply its Altius 600m and Altius 700m drones to Ukraine. The drones, which are known as "loitering munitions," are designed to monitor an area before striking targets that enter it, the UK Ministry of Defence said in a press release. The ministry said Anduril continues to "invest significantly" in the UK, has a "large footprint across the country," and plans to scale rapidly. "Our focus on developing and deploying technology where and when it's needed is at the core of everything we do — from the rapid delivery of Altius to Ukraine to the expansion of our presence here in the UK," Drake said in the release. "We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Ministry of Defence to protect our nation and our allies." Anduril did not immediately return a request from Business Insider for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider
Bloomberg
21-03-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Anduril Mulls UK Drone Factory in Push for European Defense Contracts
US defense technology company Anduril Industries Inc. is considering manufacturing drones in the UK and cutting deals with European arms makers to secure contracts as the continent prepares to boost defense spending. 'If we get enough orders, absolutely we are planning to open a facility in the UK,' Rich Drake, Anduril's general manager for UK and Europe, said in an interview. 'We are committed to being a sovereign UK business.'
