MoD selects Elbit Systems UK to deliver autonomous UAS swarms
Swarm VTOL UAS. (Photo: Elbit Systems UK)
Autonomous UAS swarms will be used by the UK MoD for surveillance, with the capability to fly and monitor for up to eight hours.
The UK MoD’s Future Capability Group has selected Elbit Systems UK to deliver autonomous swarms of VTOL UAS under the British Army’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) project.
Elbit will provide five swarms with six UAS a piece operated using the Torch-X RAS C4ISR solution that enables automated UAS mission management.
Elbit Systems UK CEO Martin Fausset said the company had a strong history of providing innovative UAS solutions.
Fausset added: ‘The advanced integration and autonomy capabilities provided by TORCH-X RAS will support the British Army as they use enhanced information gathering to protect the men and women on the front line.’
Information can be passed between UAS within the swarm and back to a ground control station.
Elbit said any changes to an environment or landscape would be highlighted on the control station and delivered through a mix of still images, video feeds and integrated mapping capabilities.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Project [UK]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![How India’s FCAS ambitions could reshape its combat-air roadmap]()
How India’s FCAS ambitions could reshape its combat-air roadmap
Participation in the French-led programme could provide India with access to sixth-generation technologies but force difficult choices over AMCA, TEDBF and indigenous propulsion development.
-
![Pentagon’s 800% PAC-3 MSE surge faces production bottleneck as Patriot demand soars]()
Pentagon’s 800% PAC-3 MSE surge faces production bottleneck as Patriot demand soars
The Pentagon wants to procure 3,203 PAC-3 MSE interceptors in FY2027, but production constraints and international demand could impact efforts to rebuild depleted missile stocks.
-
![Canada targets 2028 operational debut for AIM-9X and AIM-120D missiles]()
Canada targets 2028 operational debut for AIM-9X and AIM-120D missiles
The missile programmes form part of a broader effort to strengthen Canadian air-combat readiness as the RCAF transitions from the CF-188 to the F-35A and rebuilds its operational weapons stocks.
-
![AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus]()
AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus
While a potentially accelerated acquisition timeline could strengthen the RAAF’s long-range air combat capability, Canberra’s continued reliance on US missile production is also put under the spotlight in parallel to its push to build a sovereign industry.
