UAV partnership for the UK: GKN Aerospace and Anduril Industries UK team up with Archer

GKN Aerospace and Anduril Industries UK intend to work together on next-generation unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) solutions for British defence programmes. The two companies have reached an agreement to this effect, with Archer also on board. The plans cover airframe structures made of advanced composites, EWIS design and integration, a ground-based demonstrator and advanced flight testing.

Initially, the partners aim to accelerate the development of advanced UAVs and rotorcraft technologies for British defence programmes. They have their sights on contracts from the United Kingdom that are already expected early next year. These include an autonomous land platform (ACP) and Project NYX of the British Army, which is to produce a next-generation unmanned rotorcraft. Archer will contribute its eVTOL expertise to this effort. In the longer term, the aim is to deliver modern capabilities while also strengthening the UK's industrial base.

Dave Bond, Senior Vice President of Defence Technology at GKN Aerospace, said: “This is an excellent example of collaboration and innovation in aerospace at its best. By combining GKN Aerospace's manufacturing and integration expertise with Anduril's innovative defence technologies, we can offer the British Army an industry-leading solution in a short time.”

UAV work at the Cowes plant

The partners signed the agreement on 9 December in Cowes, where GKN Aerospace operates a plant. Most of the joint work is also to be carried out there in future. To support the growth of new platforms, the partners will draw on the recent investment of 11.4 million euros in the site. Cowes offers modern clean rooms, processing equipment and training facilities.

GKN is responsible for design and integration and can draw on considerable expertise in airframe structures, electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) and aerospace engineering. Almost 1,000 people currently work at the Cowes site. If orders rise as expected, more than 100 additional jobs could be added within the next three years.

Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril Industries UK, expressed his delight at the cooperation “with such an established and trusted partner in British manufacturing”. He added: “GKN Aerospace has long been an important part of the British industrial landscape, and we are proud to work with them on leading defence capabilities. This puts us in an excellent position to improve the combat power and survivability of our armed forces.”