UK reveals new GBP16m small drone deal with SMEs

The UK has agreed a new GBP16 million deal with three SMEs for the delivery of small drones to bolster its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. 

UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard, announced the small drone deal on 16 September at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics exhibition in Millbrook, UK. 

Under the deal, a total of 1,025 ISR drones will be supplied by UK-based SMEs Evolve Dynamics, Marlborough Communications, and a partnership between Brigantes Consulting and Harmattan AI. 

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the new deal is part of Project Rapstone, which aims to accelerate the delivery of technologies from industry to frontlines to under 24 months. It also seeks to double the British Army’s “fighting power” by 2027. 

How many small drones will be supplied? 

The defence ministry says that Evolve Dynamics will deliver 245 of its ‘Foxe-NATO’ drones, which weigh less than 250g and include infrared cameras. 

Meanwhile, Marlborough Communications will supply 670 of its Skydio X10 INTL drones. According to the defence ministry, these drones can be ready to fly in “under a minute” and travel at speeds of up to 45mph. 

Lastly, 110 of the ‘Sonora’ drones have been ordered from the Brigantes Consulting and Harmattan AI partnership. These are designed for use during training, to simulate real operations for soldiers.