{
  "id": 9184169,
  "title": "The British Army is spending £16 million on 1,000 small drones in a bid to boost battlefield operations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/the-british-army-is-spending-16-million-on-1-000-small-drones-in-a",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T19:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/pro/the-british-army-is-spending-gbp16-million-on-1-000-small-drones-in-a-bid-to-boost-battlefield-operations"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The British Army will spend £16 million on 1,025 small surveillance drones as part of a modernized battlefield kit. This investment is detailed in a £400 million spending plan, involving three UK-based companies: Evolve Dynamics, Marlborough Communications, and Harmattan AI. Evolve Dynamics, based in Hampshire, will supply 245 FOXE-NATO drones weighing under 250g each, equipped with infrared cameras for nighttime operations. Marlborough Communications will provide 670 Skydio X10 INTL drones, designed for quick deployment and capable of speeds up to 45 mpg. Exeter-based Harmattan AI will deliver 110 SONORA drones, serving as training devices for soldiers. Additionally, Tekever AR5 surveillance drones, designed for endurance and capable of carrying up to 50kg of cameras and sensors, will be procured to bolster the Army's long-term reconnaissance capabilities. This initiative aims to enhance British defense technology, create skilled jobs, and maintain the Armed Forces' edge over adversaries.",
  "summary": "New British-built spy drones will be deployed by the British Army to conduct surveillance and training, including a small 250 gram quadcopter.",
  "key_points": [
    "British Army to spend £16 million on 1,025 small surveillance drones",
    "Evolve Dynamics to supply 245 FOXE-NATO drones with infrared cameras",
    "Marlborough Communications to provide 670 Skydio X10 INTL drones for quick deployment"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}