Anduril to lead UK consortium exploring eVTOL and BVLOS for civil, defense purposes

LONDON - Anduril Industries UK in London announced that it will lead a consortium to support future flight programs in the United Kingdom, including efforts to field dual-use electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for both civil and defense applications.

Anduril UK is partnering with San Jose, Calif.-based aerospace firm Archer, along with London's Skyports Drone Services and AtkinsRéalis in Montreal. The team will explore beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations using Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft, focusing on low-emission logistics, urban air mobility, and surveillance missions. The effort aims to meet both military and civilian needs within UK airspace.

Anduril will serve as systems integrator, providing software-defined mission autonomy, communications, and command-and-control tailored for UK requirements. Archer will supply and adapt its Midnight aircraft platform. AtkinsRéalis brings regulatory expertise, having recently been named the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s first approved assessor for commercial drones. Skyports will contribute its BVLOS operational experience, including work with the U.K.'s National Health Service, Royal Mail, and Royal Navy.

Archer Aviation partners with defense company Anduril for DoD contract

"The UK has clear ambitions both for innovation and growth, as well as to continue its leadership in advanced air mobility," said Dr. Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril UK. "This partnership brings together Archer’s leading eVTOL technology, Skyports’ infrastructure expertise and AtkinsRéalis’ safety systems."

Ongoing collaborations 

The collaboration builds on ongoing development of a hybrid-propulsion VTOL aircraft by Anduril and Archer. It also supports the UK’s broader goals to become a leader in future flight technologies.

Verity Richardson of Archer called the partnership "the next phase" of its collaboration with Anduril. "There’s an incredible amount of opportunity here in the UK and worldwide," she said.

The companies are also involved in the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium under the UK’s Future Flight Challenge. That initiative is exploring eVTOL integration into airspace, passenger transport, vehicle operations, and infrastructure development.