The UK Ministry of Defence has selected autonomous systems provider TEKEVER for Project NYX, a programme aimed at developing next-generation uncrewed air systems to operate alongside Apache attack helicopters.
Project NYX focuses on creating uncrewed air systems capable of acting as autonomous “loyal wingmen” for Apache crews across complex missions. These operations include reconnaissance, target acquisition, electronic warfare, and precision strike support in contested environments. Delivered in conjunction with UK Defence Innovation, the initiative forms part of the UK Government’s wider commitment to accelerating sovereign autonomous capability under the Strategic Defence Review.
Under the programme, TEKEVER will rapidly develop, test, and demonstrate a UK-sovereign advanced rotary platform paired with AI-enabled mission autonomy and sensing. The development will leverage the company’s existing expertise in aeronautics and autonomy, alongside its extensive experience fielding systems in Ukraine, to deliver a platform designed to enhance the survivability and lethality of military helicopters. These vertically integrated systems combine advanced sensing, resilient communications, AI-driven mission management, and low-logistics operational models to enable faster, more informed operational decision-making.
Coinciding with the contract, TEKEVER has announced the opening of a new Centre for Autonomy and Engineering Hub in Bristol. The hub is part of the company’s UK OVERMATCH programme, a five-year, £400 million investment covering infrastructure, technology, skills, and partnerships. The Bristol facility, which officially opens in June 2026 with initial operating capability already in place, will have capacity for up to 150 employees. This site joins TEKEVER’s existing UK footprint alongside West Wales Airport, Southampton, and a planned manufacturing centre in Swindon. Independent analysis by Frontier Economics forecasts that the OVERMATCH programme could contribute up to £1.7 billion in Gross Value Added to the UK economy by 2035.
The Bristol Autonomy Centre will support future autonomous capability development for domestic and global partners across both defence and civil sectors. Beyond Project NYX, its work will encompass the RAF’s StormShroud capability and UK Home Office operations. Alongside TEKEVER Ukraine, the centre will also focus on driving battlefield innovation in Ukraine and transferring those lessons into the UK defence and technology ecosystems, while fostering partnerships with British SMEs and academic institutions.
Karl Brew, TEKEVER UK Managing Director, commented, “Project NYX represents an important milestone in the evolution of the UK’s autonomous defence capability and is the forefront of crewed-uncrewed teaming. The hugely impressive timelines of the programme also demonstrate how serious the UK is about driving change in its procurement and capability development processes.”
“We are proud to support the UK MOD on this strategic programme and to contribute our experience in developing operationally proven autonomous systems for allied defence missions. At TEKEVER, we believe autonomy and AI-enabled systems will play a defining role in enhancing operational effectiveness while supporting faster and more informed decision-making in complex military environments. We look forward to working with the MOD and programme partners as the initiative progresses.”
