British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026
The British Army will field drones alongside its Apache 64-E helicopters. (Photo: UK Crown Copyright)
Known as Project Nyx, the loyal wingman developed from this initiative will accompany the Apache 64-E and be used to complement tanks and artillery.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced its shortlist of seven companies for Project Nyx, a Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform (Land ACP) project to develop a loyal wingman prototype that will eventually operate alongside the British Army’s Apache AH-64E attack helicopters.
The companies shortlisted to bring forward their designs for a prototype drone are Anduril, BAE Systems, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin UK, Syos, Tekever and Thales.
A final four companies will then be selected by March 2026, the UK MoD have said, and the companies will then be offered contracts to produce an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) concept demonstrator.
Shephard forecasts that a
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Middle Eastern demand opens fresh export prospects for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet]()
Middle Eastern demand opens fresh export prospects for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet
A proposed Saudi Arabian purchase of 48 stealth fighters could signal a broader regional opportunity for the F-35 as European programmes mature.
-
![US Army extended-range CUAS missile ramjet work to continue through December 2029]()
US Army extended-range CUAS missile ramjet work to continue through December 2029
Northrop Grumman’s US$18.8 million XRC propulsion contract runs through December 2029, but performance targets and the pathway to operational fielding remain undisclosed.
-
![Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe]()
Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe
Canada’s interest in negotiating a procurement of Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft signals its readiness to reduce its reliance on US defence technology as trade tensions with its North American neighbour mount.
