Project Corvus
UK £130-156 million tender to replace the Watchkeeper tactical drone from May 2026.
Project Corvus ended on 16 September when the UK Ministry of Defence selected Tekever's AR5 after the Watchkeeper replacement competition produced no compliant bids. The contract is worth up to £400m.
Last refreshed: 1 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Timeline for Project Corvus
Drew no compliant bids
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Drones: Industry & DefenceBackground
Project Corvus is the UK Ministry of Defence programme to replace the British Army's Watchkeeper WK450 tactical unmanned aerial vehicle. The ministry issued the tender in May 2026, identifying a replacement requirement rather than an upgrade to the existing fleet.
Watchkeeper's replacement role gives Corvus lasting importance in British Army surveillance procurement. The programme concerns a tactical aircraft capability, which sits between small unit-level drones and larger strategic systems. Its purpose remains tied to selecting and introducing a successor for the Army's established Watchkeeper role.
The project also records a procurement choice with consequences beyond a single aircraft purchase. A replacement programme shapes the platform, supplier relationship and support model available to the Army for years after an award.
Project Corvus ends in direct award
On 16 September, Project Corvus moved from a competitive replacement tender to a direct arrangement with Tekever for AR5 aircraft. The Ministry of Defence offered a contract worth up to £400m after the May competition returned no compliant bids.
That September outcome changes the programme's procurement story. Corvus began as a competition estimated at £130m to £156m before VAT, but the failed process left the ministry negotiating with one supplier. For the Watchkeeper replacement, the programme now measures whether direct procurement can deliver tactical surveillance aircraft where the earlier tender did not.
What is Project Corvus and what drone will it buy?
Why is the UK replacing the Watchkeeper drone?
Who is bidding for the UK Watchkeeper replacement contract?
