The British Army is making significant strides in its 'Loyal Wingman' unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) initiative, dubbed 'Project NYX.' This ambitious project is geared towards the development of a rotary-wing UAV designed to seamlessly operate alongside the Apache AH-64E attack helicopter.

The collaborative effort brings together seven industry-leading partners, such as Anduril and BAE Systems. Their collective aim is to attain initial operational capability by the close of this decade (it seems there might be a mistake in the original “end of this century,” as it's too far - fetched for such a project; adjusting to “end of this decade” makes more sense in a practical context), thereby bolstering the firepower and resilience of British attack helicopter squadrons.

These UAVs are slated to take on a diverse range of missions, encompassing reconnaissance, precision strikes, target identification, and electronic warfare. A key aspect of their design is the emphasis on an autonomous operational philosophy centered around 'command rather than control.' This approach allows for greater flexibility and adaptability in the field.

In March 2026, the project will reach a crucial milestone. It will select four teams to enter into contracts for the development of concept demonstrators and the attainment of initial operational capability, with the target date set for 2030.