Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest
The Proteus demonstrator took its maiden flight in January 2026. (Photo: Leonardo UK)
The Proteus demonstrator is being pitched as a key platform showcasing the UK’s capabilities to build autonomous systems, with Leonardo in ongoing discussions about the future of the programme with the Royal Navy and UK Ministry of Defence.
Leonardo executives have said the company is optimistic of further funding for its Proteus programme, ahead of the UK’s pending Defence Investment Plan (DIP), with the company also in discussions with international customers in the wake of successful flight tests.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded Leonardo a four-year contract worth £60 million (US$82 million) in 2022 for the Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air Systems (RWUAS) Phase 3A Technology Demonstrator Programme – also known as ‘Proteus’.
The technology demonstrator initiative, developed by Leonardo at its UK base in Yeovil, is being carried out in partnership with the UK MoD to support the Royal
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
-
![How geopolitics and new military alliances are disrupting combat aircraft procurement]()
How geopolitics and new military alliances are disrupting combat aircraft procurement
Selection of fighter aircraft by national governments has always been political. As markets and allegiances shift against a background of global realignment, who will be the winners and losers as new entrants compete with established suppliers?
-
![Singapore’s interest in GCAP reflects its long-term approach to air power]()
Singapore’s interest in GCAP reflects its long-term approach to air power
A potential interest in joining GCAP is indicative of Singapore’s long-term and methodical approach to defence procurement and could benefit its local defence industry.
-
![US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms]()
US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms
As the US continues to invest heavily in counter-drone systems, demand for low-cost, mobile and autonomous technologies is on the rise, with Edda designed to align with these emerging requirements.
-
![August crewed air review: KC-390 momentum builds as demand in the tanker market grows]()
August crewed air review: KC-390 momentum builds as demand in the tanker market grows
The KC-390 is building a growing international operator base, but competition in the transport and tanker market is increasingly likely to depend on interoperability, commonality and the strength of supporting ecosystems. Meanwhile, Boeing’s KC-46 and Airbus’s A330 also gained ground in August.
