GKN Aerospace has signed a strategic teaming agreement with 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 aims to secure 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 last month (9 December) and was attended by Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley, who highlighted the importance of such partnerships for the UK’s manufacturing sector and the potential for more than 100 new jobs at the site through future work packages.
The collaboration is initially targeting the UK Government’s upcoming Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) contract and the British Army’s Project NYX, which will deliver a next-generation uncrewed rotorcraft for the UK.
Archer’s eVTOL expertise will complement GKN Aerospace and Anduril UK in delivering Project NYX.
Under the agreement, 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 will be carried out at its Cowes facility, which recently benefitted from a £10 million investment in cleanrooms, processing equipment and training facilities. GKN Aerospace already employs almost 1,000 people at Cowes. If successful, the collaboration is expected to create more than 100 highly skilled roles at the Isle of Wight site over the next three years.
Innovative defence technologiesDave 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.”
Pictured right: land ACP demonstrator tailRich Drake, Anduril Industries UK’s managing director, said: “We are excited to be working with such an established and trusted partner in British manufacturing. GKN Aerospace has long been a significant part of the UK’s industrial landscape, and we are proud to be partnering with them on leading defence capabilities. With this, we will be best placed to enhance the lethality and survivability for our Armed Forces.”
Adam Goldstein, CEO and founder of Archer, said: “Our continued work in the United Kingdom reflects the strength of our partnership with Anduril and the speed at which our domestic supply base is coming together. With Archer’s eVTOL and rotorcraft technologies, Anduril’s autonomy, and GKN Aerospace’s industrial capability working as one, we have a team that can deliver the next generation of advanced aviation for the UK.”
Mr Quigley concluded: “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 Isle of Wight employers to create opportunities for school leavers. I warmly welcome the opportunities it will create for our community.”