Project NYX, Anduril and Archer: Where the Apache Gets its English Long-Bow 🏹

Project NYX – Developing and Procuring a Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP)

Anduril is pursuing tender as part of Project NYX, a £83,000,000 (excluding VAT) project within the UK Ministry of Defence’s Modern Industrial Strategy, that aligns with the analysis and recommendations made in the UK MOD’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review, which call for procurement of a Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP). This Land ACP involves the incorporation of drones serving in the role of “loyal wingmen” for AH-64 Apache Guardians. These drones, otherwise known as unmanned air systems (UAS) will enhance the capabilities of these AH-64 helicopter gunships by performing tasks such as ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), strike and target acquisition, integration with Launched Effects (LE), and even electronic warfare.

“These drones of the future will make the British Army more effective and lethal by enhancing our ability to strike, survive and win on the battlefield. Project NYX represents the cutting edge of the Defence Industrial Strategy, working with leading British industry partners to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of autonomous military technology.” – Luke Pollard MP, UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry

To get a better understanding of how Project NYX aligns with the UK Ministry of Defence’s Modern Industrial Strategy, we must take a look at the 6 Priority Outcomes outlined within the Modern Industrial Strategy:

1.2 Priority Outcomes
To become a defence industrial leader by 2035 and deliver the vision set out above we will deliver six priority outcomes:

1. Making Defence an Engine for Growth: Increased investment in priority sub sectors, places and towards resolving skills challenges, in partnership with Mayoral Strategic Authorities and the Devolved Governments, and private investment ‘crowded in’ to the defence sector.
2. Backing UK based businesses: Increased defence spending is directed towards UK suppliers and priority defence sub-sectors, with the aim of making the UK defence market as competitive as possible. Capability collaboration and exports are increased, growing and sustaining the UK industrial base.
3. UK at the leading edge of defence innovation: Harnessing the UK’s technology ecosystem, pace and scale of innovation are increased, barriers to innovation are reduced, tech companies are supported to scale up, and investment in research and innovation is long-term and protected.
4. A resilient UK industrial base: UK deterrence and defence is enhanced, in turn strengthening NATO, and the foundations for a thriving UK economy are secured through resilient supply chains, increasing inward investment and improved industry productivity.
5. Procurement and acquisition systems are transformed: waste is reduced,
   productivity is increased and SMEs are connected and empowered.
6. Forge new and enduring partnerships: to improve delivery institutions and industrial partnerships and invest in powerful international partnerships and collaborations.

To support these outcomes, we will prioritise national security sub-sectors and frontier defence industries key to our growth and security. We will develop clear visions for each and tilt our business environment interventions towards them. For the first time, the Defence Investment Plan process will explicitly factor in economic growth considerations and set a long-term procurement demand signal to give businesses and investors confidence to invest.

Source: Section 1.2 Priority Outcomes from the UK Ministry of Defence’s Modern Industrial Strategy

These priorities set forth in the UK MOD’s Modern Industrial Strategy match the activities of Anduril, its partners (Archer and GKN), as well other suppliers such as Isembard, which will be discussed in further detail within this article.

The Magnificent 7: The March For (4) Tender

A shortlist of 7 companies was decided by the UK MOD in late 2025, based upon a lengthy pre-qualification phase.

The Magnificent Seven

• Anduril Industries (UK) Ltd
• BAE Systems Operations Ltd
• Leonardo MW Ltd
• Lockheed Martin UK Ltd
• Syos Aerospace UK Ltd
• Tekever Ltd
• Thales UK Ltd

In March, this shortlist of 7 candidates will shorten even further, dwindling to 4 suppliers (“The Fab Four“🇬🇧). These remaining 4 will receive contracts in Q1 2026 for initial development towards producing a concept demonstrator, and at least one of the four will receive a tender in Q3 2026. While being careful not to jump to conclusions, the fact that the MOD’s timeline uses “winning tenderer(s)” indicates that there might be more than one winner announced in 2026. With final demonstration planned for Q1 2028, and 2030 being the targeted year for onset of operational readiness, it looks like by 2030 the stage will be set. At least one of the “The Fab Four” 🇬🇧 will rock on and have create a drone capable of jamming (via electronic warfare) for the UK Defense arena!

Land ACP / Project NYX timeline (from MOD):

• Q4 2025: Condition of Participation/ Procurement Specific Questionnaire
• Q4 2025: Issue of Invitation to Tender (7 invited)
• Q1 2026: Contract Award to maximum of 4 suppliers for initial development activity
• Q3 2026: Contract Award to winning tenderer(s)
• Q2 2027: Major Land ACP capability demonstration event
• Q1 2028: End of Land ACP Capability Concept Demonstrator activity and final demonstration

UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review

UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review mentions Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPS), which Project NYX addresses:

“Augmenting crewed systems with autonomous collaborative platforms provides mass and capability across a range of tasks, including air defence, strike, and electromagnetic attack. A crewed combat air platform will remain at the heart of a system‑of‑systems approach, particularly in airborne air defence to counter peer adversaries’ aircraft, until Artificial Intelligence and autonomy reach the necessary levels of capability and trust.”

Source: Section 7.4.4 Air Domain “Transformation” in UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review

While Project NYX is for a Land ACP, we can see potential uses for an Air ACP and Naval ACP.

The RAF must stay at the leading edge of combat air’s evolution, through the transition from exclusively crewed combat air platforms to a Future Combat Air System (FCAS) with a mix of crewed, uncrewed, and increasingly autonomous platforms, integrated into the UK’s digital targeting web:

• To assure the future of UK combat air, investment in autonomous collaborative platforms (ACPs) should be considered alongside investment in FCAS and the Global Combat Air Programme. The ACPs must be designed to operate in collaboration with the fourth-, fifth- and future generations of combat aircraft and to operate from the UK aircraft carriers.
• More F-35s will be required over the next decade. This could comprise a mix of F-35A and B models.

Source: Recommendation #46 from UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review

The Royal Navy must continue its transformation in the skills, equipment, and ways
of operating needed for the 21st century maritime domain as part of an Integrated
Force. This should include:

• Moving to a ‘hybrid’ carrier airwing, comprising crewed combat aircraft, autonomous collaborative platforms in the air, single-use drones, and, eventually, long-range missiles capable of being fired from the carrier deck.
• Rapid evolution of anti-submarine warfare through the integration of underwater, surface, and airborne drones (including Protector) with Type 26 frigates, P-8 maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, and SSN attack submarines.
• Rapid evolution of mine-hunting to be delivered with autonomous platforms.
• Exploring possible development from a Type 45 destroyer to a minimally crewed or autonomous air dominance system that could integrate directed energy weapons and enable better connectivity to other assets within the UK’s.
• Integrated Air and Missile Defence system.

Source: Recommendation #37 from UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review

US AH-64 Apache Helicopters Land on a Navy Amphibious Transport Dock Ship (watch below):

“Our continued work in the United Kingdom reflects the strength of our partnership with Anduril and the speed at which our domestic supply base is coming together. With Archer’s eVTOL and rotorcraft technologies, Anduril’s autonomy, and GKN Aerospace’s industrial capability working as one, we have a team that can deliver the next generation of advanced aviation for the UK.” – Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer

“This is an excellent example of collaboration and aerospace innovation at its best. By combining GKN Aerospace’s advanced manufacturing and integration expertise with Anduril’s innovative defence technologies, we can offer an industry-leading solution for the UK Army in rapid time. Together, we will deliver a next-generation UAV that meets the UK’s future operational needs while creating high-value jobs and sustaining critical skills in the UK.” – Dave Bond, Senior Vice President of Defence Technology for GKN Aerospace 

“The partnership between GKN Aerospace and Anduril UK is exceptionally positive news for the Isle of Wight. It demonstrates that innovative, high-tech manufacturing and advanced defence capability are being developed right here, supporting local jobs and the growth of vital skills. Partnerships like this help ensure our region remains at the forefront of cutting-edge industry, and it goes hand in hand with the work I am already doing with GKN Aerospace and other Island employers to create opportunities for school leavers. I warmly welcome the opportunities it will create for our community.” – Richard Quigley, Isle of Wight West Member of Parliament

Archer Aviation

• Based in San Jose, California
• NYSE: ACHR
• eVTOL and hybrid VTOL manufacturer
  • Archer Midnight eVTOL
    • 1 pilot + 4 passengers
    • up to 150 mph
  • Hybrid eVTOL (Archer Defense partnership with Anduril)
• United Airlines, top customer with up to $1.5B order for hundreds of Archer eVTOLs
• Collaborates with Stellantis on implementing advanced manufacturing techniques into aerospace
• Manufactures electric powertrains for drones/UAS such as for Anduril’s Omen platform
• Working with Anduril, who is the main supplier (one of seven) vying for the UK MOD’s Project NYX contract to manufacturer a drone “loyal wingman” for the AH-64 Apache Guardian
• Expanding its presence in the UK and continental Europe

Archer and Anduril Dual-Use in the UK

Archer is continuing to establish roots in the UK. In December, Archer CEO and Co-Founder Adam Goldstein revealed the plan on opening an engineering hub in the UK. In addition to this news, was the announcement that former Director of Engineering at Vertical Aerospace, Dr. Limhi Somerville will be joining Archer Aviation this year in 2026.

“The UK has the talent and industrial base to be a major player in driving the next era of advanced aerospace and defence. Archer’s plans to open a UK engineering hub underscores our commitment to being an integral part of the next-generation of aerospace and defence in the country. Bringing a leader of Limhi’s caliber onto the team is critical as we look to continue to accelerate the development of our hybrid-propulsion, dual-use aircraft.” – Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO (16th of December, 2025)

“Archer is pairing realistic innovation with the capital, manufacturing capabilities, and strategic partnerships required to actually deliver next-generation aerospace and defence technologies at scale. The opportunity to support the development of their dual-use vertical lift platform is compelling. I’m excited to get to work.” – Dr. Limhi Somerville (16th of December, 2025)

Dr. Limhi Somerville

• Former Director of Engineering at Vertical Aerospace
• Former Lead powertrain and battery systems development for Vertical Aerospace
• Former Advanced Cell Manager at Jaguar Land Rover
• Research in battery tech at University of Warwick
• Chaired SG-1: Electrical subgroup of the European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE WG-112 Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Working Group)

Below is a research article in which Dr. Somerville is the first author:

Archer CEO and co-founder Adam Goldstein revealed, and confirmed something eVTOL buzz has long suspected. While the Midnight eVTOL is an eVTOL, the Midnight project is really a “platform” that can be incorporated into other aircraft such as Anduril’s Omen drone, . This ability for Archer’s advanced powertrain technology to be adopted by third-parties not only will provide Archer with a new revenue stream, but also with data about how to modify Archer’s own aircraft for various products, missions and roles. Archer can take advantage of “new and interesting opportunities” as they come along, and maximize the investments they have already made and will continue to make in R&D.

“While most see our Midnight eVTOL as an aircraft, we view Midnight as a platform that plays host to a wide range of new and exciting aerospace technologies that will be leveraged way beyond our own aircraft. Our powertrain deal with Anduril is the first of what we expect to be many examples of this. For almost a year, we have worked closely with Anduril’s team as we advance our hybrid-electric aircraft project. As we’ve familiarized ourselves with each other’s technology, new and interesting opportunities to collaborate beyond the scope of the initial hybrid aircraft project have been uncovered. We could not be more excited to expand the scope of our partnerships with Anduril as we open up a new revenue stream for Archer’s business as a powertrain supplier for next-generation electric aircraft.” – Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer (17th of November, 2025)

Archer’s hybrid powertrain technology has been crucial in getting Anduril’s Omen to the performance goals Anduril has deemed necessary for future missions. Omen is the first third-party product, to utilize Archer’s cutting-edge powertrain system.

 “We’ve been working on Omen for more than five years. By combining the Archer team’s expertise in powertrain technology with a little bit of Anduril magic, we’ve been able to mature our propulsion solution to achieve the ranges, speeds, and payload capacity we need to make Omen operationally relevant for a variety of dual-use mission sets. The maturity and reliability of Archer’s powertrain platform de-risks our plans to deliver a production variant of Omen to customers at scale.” – Shane Arnott, Anduril’s SVP of Engineering (17th of November, 2025)

Location, Location, Location

Where is Archer Aiming?

“To support its work with Anduril in the UK and beyond, Archer is launching a new engineering hub in South West England under its UK subsidiary, Archer Aviation UK Limited.” – Archer Aviation press release (December 16, 2025)

So where is Archer going to have their UK engineering hub? eVTOL buzz wanted to know where this hub will be in South West England and asked an Archer spokesperson, however Archer politely declined to comment. Nevertheless, we can have a bit of fun and speculate where it might be in South West England, based on the large presence of aerospace firms concentrated in this part of England.

South West England

• Bristol
  • GKN Aerospace
• Filton
  • GKN’s UK Global Technology Centre (GTC)
    • 10,000 square metre facility
    • £32M investment between GKN Aerospace and the UK Government through the Aerospace Technology Institute
  • Rolls-Royce
  • Airbus Wing Integration Centre (AWIC)
• Yeovil
  • Leonardo
    • AW101 Merlin and AW159 Wildcat helicopters
    • 3,100 jobs (direct)
    • 4,900 jobs from supply chain
    • 4,200 jobs from Leonardo and supply chain workers’ wage economic impact
• Exeter
  • Exeter Aerospace
• Kemble (Cotswold Airport)
  • Zero Avia

Anduril UK

Our other friend and American-based manufacturer Anduril, is deliberating on where to place their manufacturing sites in the UK. When asked by eVTOL buzz about the locations they were considering, Anduril responded with the following statement:

“Anduril UK is exploring its options for where to locate manufacturing sites in the UK, which include Oxford and Cambridge, but also locations across the UK.” – Anduril UK, in a statement to eVTOL buzz

Oxford and Cambridge are blessed with world-renowned universities and a relatively close proximity to London. It’s too early to tell. With a testing center in Wales (appears to be at Llanbedr Airfield), Anduril‘s future manufacturing facility might pop up in any of the countries that make up the United Kingdom.

Anduril

• Established in 2017
• Founded by:
  • Palmer Luckey
  • Trae Stephens
  • Matt Grimm
  • Joe Chen
  • Brian Schimpf
• Products:
  • Lattice
    • Command & Control
    • Mission Autonomy
    • Lattice Mesh
    • Lattice SDK
    • Lattice Partner Program
  • Force Protection
    • Counter UAS
    • Counter Intrusion
    • Maritime Counter Intrusion
  • Air Systems
    • Bolt
    • Barracuda
    • Roadrunner
    • Fury
    • Ghost
    • Altius
    • Omen
  • Underwater Systems
    • Copperhead
    • Dive-LD
    • Dive-XL
    • Seabed Sentry

Anduril UK

• Almost 100 employees
• Headquartered in London, England
• Managing Director: Dr Rich Drake
• Testing center in Wales

Anduril Industries UK announced on May 19th 2025 that it will lead a team of industry heavyweights including Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR), UK-based Skyports Drone Services, and Canadian-based AtkinsRéalis to develop dual use civil and military air transport for the UK using Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft.

This will be Anduril’s debut of displaying Archer’s eVTOL aircraft technology in the UK (the homeland of Lord of the Rings author J. R. R. Tolkien).

The product development strategy of Anduril UK, which emphasizes software, allows for the quick rollout of new systems. This approach has led to the introduction of various dual-use military capabilities, with the most notable being the provision of the Ghost autonomous uncrewed air system to the UK Ministry of Defence (UK MOD). The initiative would showcase Anduril UK’s dedication to creating and producing scalable technologies within the UK, enhancing existing methods, and facilitating additional investment and job opportunities.

The UK has clear ambitions both for innovation and growth, as well as to continue its leadership in advanced air mobility. This partnership brings together Archer’s leading eVTOL technology, Skyports’ infrastructure expertise and AtkinsRéalis’ safety systems in order to support future flight projects, accelerating VTOL and BVLOS developments. It also unlocks opportunities in defence and civil domains, including rapid, low-emission urban transport and surveillance capabilities for defence applications. Introducing Archer to the UK, alongside experienced local partners, marks a step forward in delivering integrated air mobility”. – Dr Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril UK (19th of May, 2025)

“This team marks the next phase of our partnership with Anduril. There’s an incredible amount of opportunity here in the UK and worldwide to deploy dual-use advanced aircraft and we look forward to making it a reality”. – Verity Richardson, Head of Business Development, UK, at Archer (19th of May, 2025)

Anduril testing in Wales (watch below):

“Anduril UK is proud to partner with the UK Government, working hand in glove to deliver vital capabilities for the UK and its Allies. Our focus on developing and deploying technology where and when it’s needed is at the core of everything we do –from the rapid delivery of Altius to Ukraine to the expansion of our presence here in the UK. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Ministry of Defence to protect our nation and our allies.” – Dr Rich Drake, MD of Anduril UK and Europe

UK airspace is home to a large number of passengers and air cargo moving across the North Atlantic.

With Archer Aviation and Anduril teaming up for UAS and hybrid eVTOL aircraft to ferry precious people and goods across the UK, logistics can be made more reliable, efficient, and beneficial to passengers, consumers, manufacturers, and the overall safety and economy of the UK.

Key Facts about UK airspace:

• 3rd largest aviation network in the world, only behind US and China
• More than 270 million people fly to and from the UK each year
• Up to 80% of North Atlantic air traffic passes through UK controlled airspace
•  £22 billion is generated from aerospace within the UK, as well as 1 million jobs
• UK is home to the world’s busiest single runway airport, dual runway airport, and heliport
•  £160 worth of goods transported by air between UK and non-EU countries

GKN Aerospace

GKN Aerospace has an impressive presence, with locations across the UK. In addtion to the Cowes, Isle of Wight facility discussed earlier, GKN even has a UK global technology centre in Bristol (Filton), which is the largest GKN aerostructure facility in the UK.

GKN Aerospace

• Founded in 1759
• Headquartered in Redditch, England
• British multinational automotive and aerospace components business
• CEO: Nigel Stein
• Chairman: Michael Turner, CBE
• Supplies low voltage Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) for the Archer Midnight (from Papendrecht, The Netherlands)
• Will manufacture in the UK and supply of key airframe components for Archer Midnight during ramp phase (at the Papendrecht, the Netherlands)
• 2 Divisions:
  • GKN Aerospace
    • Aerostructures
    • EWIS Products
    • Engine Products
    • Propulsion Systems
  • GKN Automotive
    • Driveshafts
    • Freight Services
    • Autostructures
    • Cylinder Liners, Sheepbridge Stokes
    • Power Management
    • PowerTrain Systems & Services
    • Wheels and Structures
    • Stromag
  • GKN Powder Metallurgy
    • Sinter Metals
    • Hoeganaes
    • Hydrogen Storage
• Global technology centres
  • UK global technology centre in Bristol, England
  • Trollhättan, Sweden
  • Hoogeveen, the Netherlands
  • Additive Manufacturing Centre Fort Worth, US
• Other UK Locations (besides the UK global technology centre in Bristol)
  • Cowes (Isle of Wight)
    • Falcon Yard and Osborne sites
    • R&D, manufacture, and repair of high performance structures and systems
    • Employs almost 1,000 at Cowes facility
    • +100 additional jobs from partnership with Anduril
    • Largest employer on the island
  • Birmingham
    • Head office
  • Bristol – Western Approach
    • Manufacturer of composite wing spars and Fixed Trailing Edge assemblies
  • Filton
    •  Largest advanced aerostructures facility of GKN
  • Luton
    • R&D and manufacturing of electro-thermal ice protection, flight deck windows and fast jet canopies 

GKN Aerospace and Anduril

As mentioned earlier, GKN will produce the fuselage for the Land APC drones Anduril plans to develop and manufacture in order to win part of the £83,000,000 Project NYX tender in Q3 2026. This will occur at one of the facilities GKN’s has in Cowes, Isle of Wight.

GKN Aerospace and Archer Aviation

On the 16th of June, 2025, GKN and Archer Aviation announced a partnership in which GKN will manufacture some key airframe components, including the wings for the Archer Midnight during the ramp up for the Midnight’s production phase. For over a year GKN Aerospace UK’s Global Technology Centre (which is located in Bristol), as well as some other European locations have been working on ensuring that the highest level and most stringent safety, performance, and certification requirements are met for these wings. 

Cooperation between Archer and GKN is nothing new, as Archer has sourced low voltage Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) for the Archer Midnight from GKN’s Papendrecht, the Netherlands facility. In addition to the wiring systems for Archer’s Midnight eVTOL, the Papendrecht facility manufactures empennages, wing components, fuselage parts, and landing gear for other various aircraft (fighter, commercial, and business).

“We’re delighted to expand our collaboration with Archer on the groundbreaking  Midnight electric aircraft, building on our world-leading airframe technology and EWIS expertise. This partnership will help the eVTOL market continue to move from the R&D to industrialisation phase, and we are excited to help usher in the future of flight.” – John Pritchard, President, Civil Airframes, GKN Aerospace

Make UK Defense

Make UK is a great organization with a goal of promoting and strengthening the UK defence industry. Within Make UK is a branch called Make UK Defence, which focuses on the UK’s Defense sector.

Make UK Defence

• Branch of the Make UK manufacturer’s trade organization focused on the defense industry
• Member owned, and not-for-profit
• Advocates and promotes UK’s defence & security industry
• Networking and events for members
• Champions UK defence industry in the UK parliament (Westminster) and executive government (Whitehall)

Make UK Defense was kind enough to provide eVTOL buzz with a perfect explanation about their incredibly vital role in cultivating domestic manufacturing for the UK Defense industry, including helping with projects such as Project NYX.

“As our name suggests, Make UK Defence support UK based manufacturers, and we want the UK to be the best place in the world to start a Defence company. We are therefore delighted that Anduril UK is serious about its commitment to manufacture its innovative uncrewed capabilities, like Project NYX, here in the UK. For companies serious about this mission, Make UK Defence are here to help.” – Make UK Defense, in a statement to eVTOL buzz

Make UK Defense further elaborated some of they ways they help accomplish their worthwhile goal of supporting UK manufacturers in gaining defense contracts domestically and for export:

“At Make UK Defence, our main goal is to support UK manufacturers to win work Defence, both in the UK and to export around the world. That’s why we host multiple, sector leading Meet the Buyer events each year, and it’s why Make UK Defence is seen as the leading champion for the UK defence supply chain.” – Make UK Defense, in a statement to eVTOL buzz

These statements provided to eVTOL buzz go hand-in-hand with the statements made by Make UK Defence Director-General, Mr. Andrew Kinniburgh, which were published in an 8th of December 2025 press release.

“As the UK’s leading champion for the defence supply chain, we are big believers in our world leading sector, delivering innovation and economic growth across the UK.” – Make UK Defence Director-General Andrew Kinniburgh (8th of December 2025)

“Today’s announcement of Anduril and GKN Aerospace’s partnership is a vote of confidence in our growing sector; bringing together a legendary engineering business like GKN and a technology led business like Anduril lays the foundations for more highly skilled and well paid jobs in the Isle of Wight and across the UK.“ – Make UK Defence Director-General Andrew Kinniburgh (8th of December 2025)

“It’s vital that we turn the Defence Industrial Strategy’s commitment to back UK based businesses into a reality, ensuring that defence spending is directed first to our world class defence industrial base in the UK and delivering UK economic growth.” – (8th of December 2025)

Anduril is also one of Make UK Defense’s “Strategic Partners”. eVTOL buzz asked a spokesperson from Make UK Defense what exactly is a Make UK Defense “Strategic Partner“, and we were kindly provided with the following response:

“A Make UK Defence Strategic Partner are our large prime and future prime contractors in the market. Their key role within Make UK Defence is to work with us to build out their supply chains, and for Make UK Defence to identify the suppliers that could deliver the key components they need for their supply chains. But we also provide our Strategic Partners, like with any member, dedicated business support, policy advocacy, and sector leading events.” – Make UK Defense

Being a Make UK Defense Strategic Partner helped Anduril find great suppliers for expanding and strengthening its presence in the UK.

Partnerships With Other Suppliers

In addition to the partnerships with GKN Aerospace and Archer Aviation, there are other partners and suppliers in the UK that will work alongside Anduril for Project NYX. Anduril has built a solid network that will each contribute to the manufacturing capability and readiness of the UK’s sovereign defence industry.

These include:

• Isembard
• Olsen Actuators
• Atom Performance Technologies
• Flarebright

Anduril UK has estimated that this supply chain will support roughly 50,000 jobs across the UK. Additionally there is a chance that this number will go higher as Anduril grows its presence in the UK working on sovereign defence projects.

eVTOL buzz asked Anduril the following:

“The UK is known for its world-class research laboratories, defense sites, and SMEs. Anduril UK has built an impressive supply chain and partnership network throughout the UK leveraging these aforementioned components.  What sort of qualities does Anduril UK seek in a prospective partner or supplier in the UK, and how have these relationships that Anduril has already built across the UK, help Anduril UK scale its operations and provide it with flexibility in preparation for future MoD contracts?”

An Anduril spokesperson replied with the following statement:

“Anduril can’t transform defence capabilities alone. Within the defence industry, Anduril is always bringing in their own expertise to solve uniquely complex problems, and are always open to collaboration and partnership that provides them with more entry points to do just that. Anduril UK has expanded their partnerships across industries and the country, collaborating with innovative companies to deliver advanced capabilities and new opportunities in AI. Anduril is the partner to work with for companies trying to bring cutting edge technology, whether it’s commercial, industrial, consumer-oriented,  into problems that matter.” – Anduril UK, in a statement to eVTOL buzz

Isembard

Isembard is both an AI and manufacturing company. Located in the UK, with a hub in the Dallas/Fort-Worth Area in Texas, make it a British company with transatlantic ties, focused on revitalizing the West’s manufacturing industries and creating independence and jobs for its citizens.

Isembard is named after British civil and mechanical engineer and industrialist Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806–1859), who was placed 2nd in a list of 100 Greatest Britons in a 2001 public survey conducted by the BBC. Isambard Brunel built bridges, railways and dockyards to connect improve lives and connect people the same way Isambard, the “software first” company is connecting machine shop franchises to its customers and machines in ways that were impossible before (thanks to its innovative AI software). They also have some cheeky advertising (see below):

Isembard founder Alexander Fitzgerald‘s goal of reindustrializing The West, goes perfectly in line with what the mission of Anduril’s founder Palmer Luckey. Both men are visionaries striving for a stronger, more prosperous and safer Western society. For Alexander Fitzgerald to take a key role in accomplishing this, the patriotic Army Reservist and former Policy Advisor at HM Treasury founded Isembard.

Andrew Kramer, the University of Oxford educated Head of Strategic Deployments at Isembard, gave eVTOL buzz a great summary of Isembard as a company:

“Isembard is a British, software-first manufacturing company building the industrial base for the West. Our mission is to restore speed, resilience, and sovereignty to critical industries through a network of precision factories powered by MasonOS.” – Andrew Kramer, Head of Strategic Deployments at Isembard

Isembard

• Founder and CEO: Alexander Fitzgerald
• “Software-first” manufacturing company
• MasonOS
  • AI-driven Operating System for manufacturing franchise businesses
• Headquartered in London, England, UK
• Factory in Exeter, England, UK
• Factory in Gosport, England, UK
• North American Hub in Dallas-Fort Worth (Carrolton), US

MasonOS: AI-Driven Success

MasonOS

• Proprietary AI-driven software
• 10x faster quoting and production cycles
• AS9100D compliant workflows
• Predict and prevent defects through machine learning
• Closed-loop feedback:  Control system feature, where sensors continuously monitor the machine’s actual position and speed and feed that data back to the computer controller (if any deviation from the programmed path is detected, the system makes instant, automatic corrections)

Isembard’s streamlined process significantly reduces the time and effort required by human workers, from the moment a client submits a request, to the time the client receives the finished product. This is possible, thanks to the AI magic performed by MasonOS.

Traditional, fragmented feedback process:

Isembard’s process:

• Design Upload – A customer submits a 3D model
• Instant Quote – MasonOS analyses geometry, material and process for cost + lead time
• Prototype Run – Automated scheduling and machine assignment
• Production Scale – Real-time adjustments optimise output across factories
• Delivery – Parts shipped faster than traditional suppliers

Andrew Kramer, explained how their process is simplified, and saves tremendous resources in time, and cost, while leading to a increased productivity. Additionally, with input from Isembard’s technical design expertise, it could quite possibly result in a better finished product:

“Well, I would say that we want to be doing all of these things with all of our customers, and yet, of course, we can do it through the system, and the fact that we have MasonOS to help industrialize and automate a lot of the factory and the processes, but other factories would consume a lot of people’s time.“

“We can clean up that point and really provide that proper work with our customers. To give you an example, with one of our customers, we’re not just manufacturing parts, we’re also helping them on the design. Just to give you a sense of what that means, it means working with their design engineers and helping them find ways where they can tweak the design, make changes, but it still retains the same performance, or, in fact, increases the performance, but it becomes cheaper, quicker, and easier for the manufacturer because that’s better for them, and it’s better for us. It isn’t easy for the manufacturer. We will, of course, pass that benefit on to them and help them grow more. We can do the design for the manufacturer“ – Andrew Kramer, Head of Strategic Deployments at Isembard

Isembard and Anduril

Fourth listed priority of UK MOD’s Modern Industrial Strategy:

“A resilient UK industrial base: UK deterrence and defence is enhanced, in turn strengthening NATO, and the foundations for a thriving UK economy are secured through resilient supply chains, increasing inward investment and improved industry productivity.”

Excerpt from the UK Ministry of Defence’s Modern Industrial Strategy

The fourth listed priority of UK MOD’s Defence Industrial Strategy states outright the critical need for “resilient supply chains” and “improved industry productivity”. As it has been explained earlier, Isembard’s improvement in industrial productivity through its MasonOS platform, creating more reliable supply chains (which are geographically closer being located domestically), as well as offering improved turnaround time thanks to increased efficiency, perfectly align with the Defense Industrial Strategy set forth by the UK MOD.

Fifth listed priority of UK MOD’s Modern Industrial Strategy:

Procurement and acquisition systems are transformed: waste is reduced, productivity is increased and SMEs are connected and empowered.

Excerpt from the UK Ministry of Defence’s Modern Industrial Strategy

Being MasonOS is a powerful AI-based software, it can help reduce waste (both in materials, manpower, and time) and boost productivity. Furthermore, MasonOS connects franchisees with their customers, and helps these Isembard factories take root and brach out in the industrial environments which the UK’s security depends on.

eVTOL buzz, asked Isembard’s Andrew Kramer, about the company’s role in Project NYX, which in partnership with Anduril, could harnesses Isembard’s capabilities in prototyping and manufacturing for the Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP).

“Isembard is proud to be part of the team that Anduril is putting together for the ACP programme. We are delighted to deploy our software-first manufacturing model to rapidly scale from prototype to sovereign volume production. Our model of connected, distributed factories across the country supports the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy.” – Andrew Kramer, Strategic Deployments at Isembard

When eVTOL buzz asked Anduril about their partnership with Isembard, an Anduril spokesperson provided their insight in the following statement:

“By working with Isembard, Anduril UK will help develop the UK’s manufacturing capabilities, bringing the potential for jobs, growth and investment to regions across the UK. Anduril UK will rapidly move to manufacture new and developing technologies, as required by the pace of modern conflict and development cycles. Both firms utilise AI in running their manufacturing facilities, controlling everything from quotes to delivery, bringing together the entire production process into a single platform, substantially improving manufacturing times.” – Anduril UK in a statement to eVTOL buzz

Both Anduril’s and Isembard’s statements to eVTOL buzz solidifies the facts about the importance of companies with dual-use technologies. Properly exploiting their capabilities to boost production and supply chain resilience, will make both UK industrial health, as well as strategic defense, as strong as it can be for ensuring the security of the UK.

“Today, much of the best innovation is found in the private sector, while the increasing prevalence of dual-use technologies has widened the net of potential suppliers that can contribute to Defence outcomes. There is a deep range of partners outside Defence that it must work to bring in alongside its prime contractors, from technology and innovation startups and scale-ups, to small and medium-sized enterprises, private investors, and the trade unions and their members, who are the workforce without which a step-change in industrial productivity would not be possible.”

Source: 4.2.2 of UK MOD’s Strategic Defence Review 2025

Olsen Actuators & Drives

Olsen Actuators & Drives plays a supporting role in Project NYX by providing the motion-control expertise and hardware that underpin the the Land ACP drone’s mechanical performance. Through its actuators and drive systems, Olsen enables precise, reliable movement and control, helping translate the drone’s design and engineering requirements into functional, real-world operation. This relationship ensures that Anduril can meet its technical goals within Project NYX, while maintaining efficiency, durability, and scalability in its overall system architecture. Basically Olsen has the actuators and drives to keep Project NYX moving forward!

Olsen Actuators & Drives

• Headquartered in Daresbury Cheshire, England, UK
• Chairman: Piers Olsen
• Product
• Industries
  • Space
  • Aerospace
  • eVTOL
    • Supplies actuators for Skydrive and Vertical Aerospace
  • Defence
  • Marine
  • Subsea
  • Robotic

Great video of the various products offered and industries served by Olsen Actuators & Drives (watch below):

Aerospace Rotary Actuator for UAVs

• Rotary servo actuator for flight control surfaces
• For medium-sized UAV
• Small (35 x 100 x 150mm)
• Lightweight (<700g)
• Torque output of 16Nm @ speeds of up to 200 degrees/s
• A low power requirement (24Volts DC)
• CAN communications protocol

With Olsen Actuators & Drives making products for the Subsea industry, and Anduril a prime for naval/marine drones, as well as the UK being an island, this could potentially be another area of future partnership between the two companies.

Subsea Industry

• Linear forces up to 1500 kN
• Linear travel up to 2 metres
• Linear speeds 0.15 to 1500mm/sec
• Rotary torque up to 40kNm
• Electrical actuator systems DO NOT require pipes or cooling system
• ISO 13628-6 API 17D

Flare Bright

Flare Bright is a UK based aerospace technology company founded in 2015 that specializes in pioneering GPS independent navigation and machine learning enhanced systems for autonomous and crewed vehicles. Flare Bright is a supplier of software based capability enhancements. The company combines advanced inertial technology, patented machine learning processes, and digital twin modeling to offer navigation solutions that operate even in GPS denied or jammed environments. Flare Bright’s innovations ranging from autonomous flight safety systems to accelerated research and development services are designed to improve performance safety and scalability across a wide range of platforms and industries. These capabilities align closely with the requirements of advanced autonomous defense programs and may help explain Flare Bright’s inclusion within the broader supply chain supporting Anduril’s Project NYX.

Flare Bright

• Established in 2015
• Headquartered in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, UK
• Founded by Dr. Kelvin Hamilton and Dr. Conrad Rider
• CEO: Dr. Kelvin Hamilton
• Supplier of software-based capability-enhancements for robotic and crewed vehicles
• Product:
  • Tactera
    • All Terrain GPS-free Navigation
  • Extera
    • Flight Termination System

Tactera

• 10m accuracy
• Fast, low, night, day
• All terrain
• Unjammable 

Extera

• Fully independent
• Up to 100km range
• Compliant with DO 178C & 254 (DAL-B),  MOC 2511 & 2512, and IP54

Atom Performance Technologies

Atom Performance Technologies is a UK‑based engineering firm that applies high‑performance technologies, methodologies, and simulation tools originally honed in Formula One to solve complex engineering challenges across sectors, with expertise in areas such as aerodynamics, control systems, structural optimisation, software design, and performance analysis.

Atom Performance Technologies

• Headquartered in Silverstone Northamptonshire, England, UK
• CTO: Andrew Green
• Part of AMR Performance Group
• Focuses on:
  • Aerodynamics
    • Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
    • Full-size and scale model testing
    • Real-world analysis and optimisation
  • Control System Architecture & Software Design
  • Design
    • Composite
    • Mechanical
    • Optimised design for additive manufacture
  • Performance Simulation & Analysis
    • Dynamic lap simulation
    • Multibody simulation
    • Driver-in-the-loop simulation
  • Programme management
  • Structural Analysis & Optimisation
    • Digital engineering
  • Validation & Optimisation
    • Laboratory / test cell validation and optimisation
    • Real-world validation and optimisation

Conclusion

Anduril, in coordination with MakeUK Defence, has created a strong supply chain in the UK. Archer Aviation, which intends to supply the powertrains for the Land ACP drones is also expanding its operations in the UK. Meanwhile GKN, which has a long-established presence in the UK, is ready to produce the fuselages for these drones. Anduril stands a good chance to win a tender, and if Palmer’s company will be even more Luckey, it could secure a share of that £83,000,000. With that accomplished, Anduril’s partnership with Archer, GKN, and UK partners will provide the Apache with the English Longbow it needs to keep aiming high in the 21st century!

Author’s Note: Why the “English Longbow”?

The “English Longbow” is a metaphor coined by the author, intended as a nod to history, mythology, and battlefield strategy. It references the Apache helicopter’s original Longbow radar, the reach and battlefield‑shaping effect of the medieval English longbow, and the Archer-Anduril partnership underpinning Project NYX. It also draws on English author Tolkien’s imagery. Just as Elven archers extend the reach and influence of Andúril, the reforged sword of kings, without acting as the hero themselves, the Land ACP acts as a forward-deployed, autonomous extension of the Apache helicopter. It provides sensing, cueing, relay, deception, and, where required, allowing the crew to fight from positions of greater survivability and choice. This metaphor is further enriched by the legacy of Apache warriors, whose skill, adaptability, and strategic ingenuity resonate with the tactical philosophy underpinning Project NYX.

More Info:

Archer Announces Plans for UK Engineering Hub, Hires Veteran British eVTOL Engineering Leader: click here

Anduril UK deepens partnerships with UK industry for British Army’s Project NYX: click here

GKN Aerospace and Anduril UK Sign Partnership to Lead UK’s Future UAV Capabilities: click here

GKN Aerospace and Archer announce expanded collaboration for manufacture of key airframe components in the UK: click here

GKN’s UK global technology centre: click here

GKN Additive Manufacturing Centre Fort Worth, US: click here

Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform – Project NYX: click here

Inside Isembard: The UK Startup Bucking the West’s Global Outsourcing Trend, with its Hub in the Wild West (Texas): click here

Isembard UK Factory Launch Speed: click here

Anduril Industries UK and Archer, Supported by Skyports Drone Services and AtkinsRéalis, Team Up to Test Dual-Use eVTOL Cargo Aircraft in UK Market: click here

Archer Announces Strategic Partnership With Anduril to Develop Hybrid VTOL Military Aircraft; Raises An Additional $430M: click here

Call for Subgroup Lead: EUROCAE WG-112 VTOL SG-9: click here

South West manufacturers boosted by aerospace, defence and marine sectors: click here

South West England Sustainable Aviation: clink here

South West Aerospace: click here

Atom Performance Technologies: click here

Futuristic helicopter drones programme advances as British based companies selected to develop prototypes: click here

M/V Cape Henry, MSC Deliver Essential Cobra Gold Cargo: click here

Strategic Defence Review Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad: click here

The UK Ministry of Defence’s Modern Industrial Strategy (part 1): click here

The UK Ministry of Defence’s Modern Industrial Strategy (summary): click here

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