British Army to Enhance Battlefield Intelligence with New Surveillance Drones
The British Army is poised to enhance its battlefield capabilities with the introduction of new Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) drones. This initiative is part of a substantial investment aimed at providing soldiers with better protection and greater intelligence on the battlefield. The government has committed up to £400 million for long-endurance surveillance drones, alongside a separate £16 million deal for more than 1,000 smaller drones.
These drones range from compact, user-friendly models that offer real-time awareness for troops on the front lines to larger aircraft designed to provide commanders with detailed intelligence over extended distances and durations. A significant contract worth up to £400 million has been awarded to Tekever for the deployment of their AR5 drone, which is intended to replace the aging Watchkeeper system that has been in use since 2014.
In addition to the AR5, the Army will receive over 1,025 small drones through a £16 million agreement with three UK-based companies. These deliveries are nearing completion and are expected to bolster the Army's operational capabilities. Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP announced these developments at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics event, emphasizing the importance of advanced technology for soldiers.
Pollard stated, "Our soldiers deserve the best technology, and that’s what we’re delivering. From small drones giving troops eyes on the enemy to the AR5 offering commanders better intelligence over the battlefield, we’re transforming the Army’s ability to see, understand, and act first." This procurement strategy not only supports British industry but also aims to create skilled jobs and maintain the Armed Forces' edge over adversaries.
Job Creation Through Advanced Drone Technology
The Tekever contract is projected to support over 1,000 skilled jobs across various UK locations by 2030, while the small drone initiative has already created more than 30 new roles, including positions for veterans. The small drones being delivered include 245 FOXE-NATO drones equipped with infrared cameras, 670 Skydio X10 INTL drones that can be deployed rapidly, and 110 SONORA drones designed for training purposes.
Case Closed
The AR5 deal begins with an initial order of six drones, with plans to increase this number to 24 by 2029. These drones will be manufactured at a new Tekever facility in Swindon and have already been utilized in Ukraine. This investment is seen as critical for national security, allowing the British Army to integrate cutting-edge surveillance technology into its operations.
The small drone initiative is part of Project Rapstone, which aims to accelerate the introduction of new technologies to soldiers, with a goal of doubling the Army’s fighting power by 2027. The Defence Investment Plan emphasizes the importance of enhancing the Army’s long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, ensuring that the next generation of uncrewed aerial systems effectively replaces the legacy Watchkeeper drones.
