UK Selects Companies to Develop “Companion Drones” for AH-64E Apache

The UK Ministry of Defence has selected seven companies to participate in the NYX project.

The initiative aims to develop autonomous unmanned systems designed to operate alongside the British Army’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, according to The Defense Blog.

The selected participants include leading British and international defense companies: Anduril UK, BAE Systems, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin UK, Syos, Tekever, SYOS Aerospace and Thales. Each company will submit its own “companion drone” concept for evaluation during the next selection phase.

According to the plan, by March, the number of participants will be reduced to four companies, which will begin initial research and development work. The final selection of one or more winners is expected in the third quarter of the 2026 financial year.

Capability demonstrations are scheduled for the second quarter of 2027, with final trials planned for early 2028. Initial operational capability is projected to be achieved around 2030.

The autonomous platform will be capable of performing a wide range of missions, from reconnaissance and surveillance to precision strikes, suppression of enemy assets, and operations in complex airspace. It is expected to offer significantly lower costs and reduced logistical demands compared to manned aircraft.

“We are thrilled to advance to the next stage of Project NYX, which is an innovative approach by the Ministry of Defence to work with industry partners to develop Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) to operate alongside Apache attack helicopters,” said Sam Vye, CEO and founder of SYOS Aerospace.