GKN Aerospace and Anduril to Lead UK’s Future UAV Capabilities

GKN Aerospace has entered into a strategic teaming agreement with Anduril Industries UK to accelerate the development of advanced uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and rotorcraft technologies for future UK defence programmes. The partnership will focus on major UK opportunities expected in early 2026, strengthening national capability while bolstering the UK’s sovereign industrial base.

The agreement was formalised at GKN Aerospace’s Cowes facility on 9 December, in the presence of Isle of Wight West Member of Parliament Richard Quigley. The MP highlighted the significance of such collaborations in driving growth within the UK’s manufacturing sector and supporting the creation of more than 100 potential new jobs on the Island through upcoming work packages.

The partnership will initially pursue the UK Government’s Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) programme and the British Army’s Project NYX, which aims to deliver a next-generation uncrewed rotorcraft. GKN Aerospace and Anduril UK will be joined by Archer, contributing its eVTOL expertise for Project NYX.

Under the collaboration, GKN Aerospace will lead structural design and integration activities, leveraging its global leadership in aerostructures, EWIS and aerospace engineering. Much of the work will be carried out at the company’s Cowes site, supported by its recent £10 million investment in upgraded cleanrooms, processing systems and training facilities.