GKN Aerospace, Anduril Sign UK Defence UAV Agreement

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GKN Aerospace announced a new strategic teaming agreement with leading autonomous platform provider Anduril Industries UK to accelerate the development of advanced uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) and rotorcraft technologies for UK defence programmes. The partnership will target key UK contracts expected in early 2026, delivering modern capability while reinforcing the UK’s sovereign industrial base.

The signing ceremony took place at GKN Aerospace’s Cowes facility on 9 December. Isle of Wight West Member of Parliament Richard Quigley attended the event to emphasize the importance of such partnerships for the UK’s manufacturing sector and support the potential for more than 100 new jobs on the Island through the future work packages.

The industrial partnership is initially targeting the UK Government’s upcoming Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) contract and the British Army’s Project NYX, for a next-generation uncrewed rotorcraft for the UK. Along with GKN Aerospace and Anduril UK, the pair would be joined by Archer’s eVTOL expertise to deliver Project NYX. Under the collaboration, GKN Aerospace will lead structural design and integration work, drawing on its world-class expertise in aerostructures, electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) and aerospace engineering. Much of the work would be delivered from its Cowes facility, taking advantage of GKN Aerospace’s recent £10 million investment in the site, with the latest cleanrooms, processing equipment and training facilities ready to support growth in exciting new platforms.

GKN Aerospace already employs almost 1,000 at its Cowes facility. If successful, over the coming three years, the collaboration is expected to create more than 100 highly skilled roles at the Isle of Wight site, which is the largest private employer on the Island.

Dave Bond, Senior Vice President of Defence Technology for GKN Aerospace said: "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.”

Rich Drake, Managing Director, Anduril Industries UK, said: "We are excited to be working with such an established and trusted partner in British manufacturing. GKN Aerospace has long been a significant part of the UK’s industrial landscape, and we’re proud to be partnering with them on leading defence capabilities. With this, we will best placed to enhance the lethality and survivability for our Armed Forces.”

Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer, said: "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.”

Richard Quigley, Isle of Wight West Member of Parliament, said: "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.”