Project NYX
UK Ministry of Defence programme to develop autonomous drone loyal wingmen for Apache attack helicopters, with four companies in assessment phase as of May 2026.
On 21 July, Tekever unveiled its AR6 drone for Project NYX’s Apache loyal-wingman competition, ahead of an autumn 2026 down-select.
Last refreshed: 1 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Will Tekever's new AR6 drone become the RAF Apache's loyal wingman?
Timeline for Project NYX
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Drones: Industry & DefenceBackground
Project NYX is a UK Ministry of Defence programme to develop autonomous drone loyal wingmen for Apache attack helicopters. It is intended to test how uncrewed aircraft can extend a crewed helicopter’s reach while carrying out tasks such as sensing, electronic warfare support or accepting risk ahead of the crewed platform.
The programme’s assessment phase began in May 2026 with Anduril Industries (UK), BAE Systems Operations, Tekever and Thales UK. The competition gives the ministry a route to compare suppliers before choosing the next stage, while keeping the programme focused on rotary-wing operations rather than fast-jet loyal-wingman designs.
Project NYX matters because it creates a formal British route for autonomous systems to operate with Apache helicopters. The AR6 unveiling on 21 July showed that the contest can draw proposals built for heavier payloads and longer ranges.
Project NYX weighs heavier drones
Project NYX gained a potential heavier aircraft option on 21 July, when Tekever unveiled the AR6 at Farnborough. The company pitched the drone, which can carry 200kg for 500km, for the Apache loyal-wingman requirement.
The programme began its assessment phase in May 2026 with four companies competing to develop an autonomous aircraft for Apache helicopters. Tekever’s AR6 proposal matters because it moves the contest beyond the company’s established intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drones towards a platform designed to operate beside a crewed attack helicopter.
What is Project NYX and which companies are involved?
What does a loyal wingman drone do for a helicopter?
When will the UK Apache drone wingman be operational?
