GKN Aerospace and Anduril UK Sign Partnership to Lead UK’s Future UAV Capabilities
BY Composights
Published: 13 Dec 2025
Advanced composite aerostructures are becoming the backbone
of next-generation uncrewed aerial systems, and the strategic partnership
between GKN Aerospace and Anduril
Industries UK reflects that shift.
The collaboration targets future UK defence UAV and
rotorcraft programmes, with GKN Aerospace leading structural design, composite manufacturing, and EWIS
integration to enable lightweight, survivable, and rapidly deployable
platforms. By combining high-rate
composite production capabilities with autonomous
systems and flight-tested architectures, the partnership aims to deliver
scalable, sovereign UAV solutions aligned with the UK s evolving operational
and industrial priorities.
GKN Aerospace today 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:
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.
