Apache helicopter's 'loyal wingmen' support drones to be used for precision strikes, other duties — British Army's Project NYX funding goes to four firms as effort hits new milestone

The UK Ministry of Defence advanced Project NYX, funding four British firms to design autonomous support drones for Apache helicopters.

The £10 million program will test competing concepts for reconnaissance, precision strike, targeting, and electronic warfare.

Anduril UK, BAE Systems, Tekever, and Thales UK are in the next phase, with a final partner or partners to be chosen later.

If successful, the drones could enter service around 2030 and act as loyal wingmen to boost Apache capability while reducing risk to crews.