Anduril Industries UK is partnering with Archer Aviation, Skyports Drone Services, and AtkinsRéalis to test and deploy dual-use eVTOL cargo aircraft in the UK.
The collaboration aims to advance both civil and defense logistics capabilities using Archer’s Midnight aircraft platform, adapted for UK-specific operational requirements.
The initiative will explore a range of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) applications, enabling low-emission, rapid-response cargo missions that address defense and emergency logistics needs. Anduril will act as the lead systems integrator, incorporating mission autonomy, communications, and command-and-control systems to support real-world UK use cases. Archer will provide the Midnight eVTOL and continue its work with Anduril on a future hybrid-propulsion aircraft.
This partnership also marks Archer’s formal entry into the UK market, supporting local investment and job creation while enhancing sovereign capabilities in next-generation aviation and defense technologies.
Skyports Drone Services brings proven BVLOS operational experience to the project, having delivered missions for the NHS and Royal Mail, and recently participated in the Royal Navy Heavy Lift Challenge. AtkinsRéalis, recently appointed as the Civil Aviation Authority’s first approved assessor of commercial drones, will provide critical regulatory and systems integration expertise.
Together, the group combines aircraft innovation, mission systems, regulatory insight, and operational delivery to support the UK’s goal of becoming a global leader in advanced air mobility.
The effort builds on existing collaborations within the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, supported by the UK government’s Future Flight Challenge Phase 3, where AtkinsRéalis and Skyports are actively shaping infrastructure, airspace integration, and stakeholder engagement.
Dr Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril UK, added, “The UK has clear ambitions both for innovation and growth, as well as to continue its leadership in advanced air mobility. This partnership brings together Archer’s leading eVTOL technology, Skyports’ infrastructure expertise and AtkinsRéalis’ safety systems in order to support future flight projects, accelerating VTOL and BVLOS developments. It also unlocks opportunities in defence and civil domains, including rapid, low-emission urban transport and surveillance capabilities for defence applications. Introducing Archer to the UK, alongside experienced local partners, marks a step forward in delivering integrated air mobility.”
Verity Richardson, Head of Business Development, UK, at Archer said, “This team marks the next phase of our partnership with Anduril. There’s an incredible amount of opportunity here in the UK and worldwide to deploy dual-use advanced aircraft and we look forward to making it a reality.”
Alex Brown, Director of Skyports Drone Services, added, “The UK Government is making strong progress in enabling permanent BVLOS drone operations so partnering with Anduril and Archer is a natural step, as we onboard more advanced aircraft and increase our payload and range capabilities. Our first project on cargo services will lay the groundwork for other applications with significant value, such as surveillance and search and rescue.”
David Clark, Global Head of Aerospace & Defence, AtkinsRéalis, commented, “Leveraging our experience in novel aircraft design and emerging regulatory frameworks, AtkinsRéalis will be supporting the team to safely integrate automated uncrewed aircrafts into the UK’s skies. The combination of local expertise with investment from industry leaders like Archer and Anduril will strengthen the UK’s position at the forefront of the future of flight.”
By accelerating the deployment of scalable, dual-use eVTOL systems, this team underscores a shared commitment to advancing UK aviation technology, economic growth, and national defense capability.
