Aviation News – The UK Ministry of Defence has moved forward with a programme to develop futuristic wingman drones designed to operate alongside Apache attack helicopters, selecting seven British companies to build prototype systems that could reshape future battlefield operations.
The initiative, known as Project NYX, aims to integrate autonomous drones with crewed helicopters, marking a significant step in the British Army’s shift toward next-generation warfare and aligning with objectives set out in the Strategic Defence Review. The selected industry partners will now develop and refine prototype concepts for these advanced systems.
Under the programme, the drones are intended to fly in coordination with Apache helicopters, extending their reach, improving situational awareness, and reducing risk to human crews. By acting as autonomous or semi-autonomous “wingmen,” the systems could conduct reconnaissance, provide targeting support, or operate in high-threat environments ahead of manned aircraft.
