GKN Aerospace has announced a new strategic teaming agreement with Anduril Industries UK, a leading autonomous platform provider, to accelerate the development of advanced uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and rotorcraft technologies for UK defence programmes. The partnership will target key UK contracts expected in early 2026, delivering modern capability while strengthening the UK’s sovereign industrial base.
The signing took place at GKN Aerospace’s Cowes facility on 9 December, attended by Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley, who highlighted the importance of such partnerships for UK manufacturing and the potential for over 100 new jobs on the Island.
The partnership initially targets the UK Government’s Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) contract and the British Army’s Project NYX, a next-generation uncrewed rotorcraft. Under the collaboration, GKN Aerospace will lead structural design and integration, leveraging its expertise in aerostructures, electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS), and aerospace engineering. Most work will be delivered from its Cowes facility, supported by a recent £10 million investment in cleanrooms, processing equipment, and training facilities.
GKN Aerospace already employs nearly 1,000 people at Cowes. If successful, the collaboration is expected to create over 100 highly skilled roles at the site over three years.
Dave Bond, Senior Vice President of Defence Technology at GKN Aerospace, said: “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, creating high-value jobs and sustaining critical skills in the UK.”
Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril Industries UK, added: “GKN Aerospace has long been a significant part of the UK’s industrial landscape. We’re proud to partner with them to enhance the lethality and survivability of our Armed Forces.”
Adam Goldstein, CEO and Founder of Archer, noted that Archer’s eVTOL technologies, combined with Anduril’s autonomy and GKN’s industrial capability, form a team ready to deliver next-generation aviation for the UK.
