Unmanned systems: UK puts 5.2 billion euros into new DE&S strategy

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) intends to put a total of 5.2 billion euros into drone development over the next ten years. In doing so, the UK is implementing a new strategy: all British front-line commands are to be provided with unmanned systems more quickly in future.

To equip the commands rapidly, several teams are to offer incentives to industry. These include the Future Capabilities Group (FCG), mine countermeasures and the RPAS (Remotely Piloted Air Systems) teams.

Lessons from Ukraine shape the strategy for unmanned systems

The UxS strategy was derived from the experience gathered in Ukraine. It is intended to enable unmanned platforms to be rapidly developed, tested, evaluated and deployed according to a more uniform and effective concept. Once a system is operational, it can be further developed and upgraded according to the principle of “spiral development”.

Andy Start, CEO of DE&S, commented on the new strategy: “DE&S has supported the rapid procurement of large numbers of uncrewed air systems for Ukraine, and it is clearer than ever that unimpeded access to combat-proven uncrewed systems is absolutely crucial in modern combat operations.” James Cartlidge, the UK's Minister for Defence Procurement, added: “The strategy sets a clear, unified focus – backed by funding running into the billions – while offering the flexibility to meet different requirements in the air, on land and at sea.”

The joint Ukraine–United Kingdom initiative for unmanned systems will also continue. 2.9 billion euros are earmarked for supporting Ukraine, of which over 250 million euros will go towards the delivery of unmanned systems. Most of this sum is to be spent in the United Kingdom itself – on the manufacture of drones and components and on software development.

Two goals are being pursued in this way: the domestic British drone industry is to grow, while Ukraine receives state-of-the-art, combat-proven capabilities with which it can fight the invading Russian forces on land and at sea.