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UAV & Drones

Rotron Aerospace and LIG Nex1 Sign Deal to Develop Next-Gen UAVs

Rotron Aerospace and LIG Nex1 partner to co-develop hybrid VTOL UAV platforms for South Korea’s Army, emphasizing heavy-fuel rotary engine tech.

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This article is based on an official press release from Rotron Aerospace and LIG Nex1.

Rotron Aerospace and LIG Nex1 Sign Strategic Deal for Next-Gen UAV Propulsion

On December 9, 2025, UK-based propulsion specialist Rotron Aerospace and South Korean defense prime LIG Nex1 formalized a significant strategic partnership. Signed at Rotron’s headquarters in Dorset, United Kingdom, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a long-term collaboration aimed at co-developing next-generation unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms. The agreement, which remains valid until 2032, focuses primarily on the Medium UAV Common Platform (MUCP), a tactical hybrid drone program designed for the Republic of Korea Army (RoKA).

According to the joint announcement, this collaboration leverages the specific strengths of both nations’ defense industries. Rotron Aerospace will supply its advanced heavy-fuel rotary propulsion systems, while LIG Nex1 will lead the system architecture, platform integration, and overall program management. The deal underscores the deepening defense ties between the United Kingdom and South Korea following the 2023 Downing Street Accord.

The Medium UAV Common Platform (MUCP)

The centerpiece of this agreement is the MUCP, a hybrid Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drone intended for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. LIG Nex1, having been awarded the tender by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) in August 2024, is moving rapidly toward flight testing, which is expected to commence in 2026.

The platform utilizes a hybrid configuration featuring four fixed rotors for vertical lift and a single pusher propeller for forward flight. This design eliminates the need for runways while maintaining the endurance and speed associated with fixed-wing aircraft. According to technical specifications released regarding the program, the MUCP targets a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of approximately 340 kg and a payload capacity of 30 kg.

Propulsion Technology

Rotron’s contribution is critical to the platform’s performance. The company specializes in Wankel-type rotary engines, which are favored in the UAV sector for their high power-to-weight ratio and low vibration profiles, essential characteristics for stabilizing sensitive ISR sensors. Crucially, Rotron has engineered these engines to operate reliably on heavy fuels such as JP-8 and Jet-A1, meeting the NATO Single Fuel Policy requirements that simplify military logistics.

“Rotron is proud to partner with LIG Nex1… This agreement reflects our commitment to delivering high-performance propulsion and aviation systems that enhance the capability, reliability, and operational reach of next-generation unmanned platforms.”

Gilo Cardozo, CTO & Founder, Rotron Aerospace

Strategic Implications and Export Goals

While the immediate focus is the domestic South Korean market, both companies have explicitly stated their intention to target global exports, specifically within the Pacific Rim and Europe. The partnership allows LIG Nex1 to secure a sovereign supply chain for critical propulsion components while providing Rotron access to major Asian defense markets.

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Yoon Kwan-seob, Vice President of Aerospace & Drone Business at LIG Nex1, highlighted the synergy between the two firms in a statement regarding the signing:

“By combining our experience in integrated system development with Rotron’s leading propulsion technologies, we aim to advance the Medium UAV Common Platform and expand opportunities for both domestic Republic of Korea programmes and international exports.”

Yoon Kwan-seob, VP of Aerospace & Drone Business, LIG Nex1

AirPro News Analysis

The selection of Rotron for the MUCP program highlights a persistent engineering bottleneck in the tactical UAV sector: the heavy-fuel requirement. While battery technology has improved, it still lacks the energy density required for the 5+ hour endurance missions targeted by the MUCP. Furthermore, traditional piston engines often struggle with the combustion characteristics of heavy military fuels like JP-8, particularly in smaller form factors.

By integrating Rotron’s rotary technology, LIG Nex1 appears to be prioritizing reliability and logistical commonality over the simplicity of electric-only systems. This hybrid approach, using electric lift for VTOL and heavy-fuel combustion for cruise, is becoming the standard architecture for modern tactical drones (Group 3 UAVs) that require runway independence without sacrificing range.

Sources

Sources: Satellite Evolution Group

Photo Credit: Satellite Evolution Group

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UAV & Drones

Unusual Machines Signs Supplier Deal with Dynamic Aerospace Systems

Unusual Machines becomes Tier-1 supplier to Dynamic Aerospace Systems, providing NDAA-compliant drone components for defense and commercial platforms.

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This article is based on an official press release from Unusual Machines, Inc..

Unusual Machines Secures Strategic Supplier Deal with Dynamic Aerospace Systems

On December 8, 2025, Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC) announced a new strategic supplier agreement with Dynamic Aerospace Systems (DAS), a developer of next-generation unmanned aerial systems (UAS). According to the company’s official statement, this partnership positions Unusual Machines as a key Tier-1 domestic supplier of critical Drones components, specifically designed to meet strict U.S. regulatory standards.

Under the terms of the agreement, Unusual Machines will provide flight controllers, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), motors, and other subsystems to DAS. These components will be integrated into DAS’s commercial and defense platforms, marking a significant step in Unusual Machines’ efforts to onshore the drone supply chain and reduce industry reliance on foreign technology.

Strengthening the Domestic Supply Chain

The core of this agreement focuses on compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and “Blue UAS” standards. As stated in the press release, the components supplied by Unusual Machines are fully compliant with these federal requirements, which are essential for securing U.S. government and defense Contracts.

Dynamic Aerospace Systems, a DBA of BrooQLy, Inc. (OTCQB: BRQL), intends to integrate these American-made components immediately into its existing production lines. The announcement highlights two specific platforms that will utilize the new hardware:

  • The Breacher: A kinetic counter-UAS platform designed for anti-drone defense operations.
  • The Sentinel: A long-endurance platform utilized for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

“This agreement validates Unusual Machines’ strategy to become a Tier-1 domestic supplier in the drone industry and supports DAS’s expansion into international markets.”

, Unusual Machines Press Release

International Expansion and Commercial Applications

While the agreement bolsters domestic defense capabilities, the press release also outlines significant international implications. Dynamic Aerospace Systems is currently engaged in active commercial programs abroad that will benefit from this supply chain Partnerships.

According to the announcement, the collaboration supports DAS’s planned deployments in the United Arab Emirates with the noon Group and in Greece with Drops Smart Hubs. These programs are focused on autonomous pilot delivery, commercial logistics, and infrastructure monitoring, demonstrating the dual-use nature of the technology for both defense and industrial sectors.

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Corporate Context and Recent Growth

This supplier agreement follows a period of rapid operational expansion for Unusual Machines. To provide context to the current deal, recent financial data indicates the company is scaling its infrastructure to meet rising demand.

According to recent market reports and company filings referenced in conjunction with this announcement, Unusual Machines reported its first profitability in Q3 2025, with revenue reaching $2.13 million. Furthermore, in October 2025, the company raised approximately $72.1 million via an “at-the-market” (ATM) offering. These funds appear to be fueling their physical expansion, including the addition of a 25,000-square-foot warehouse and fulfillment center in Orlando, Florida, announced on November 5, 2025.

AirPro News Analysis

From Hobbyist Roots to Defense Tier-1

We view this agreement as a pivotal moment in Unusual Machines’ corporate evolution. Historically known for its consumer-facing brands like Fat Shark and Rotor Riot, the company is aggressively pivoting toward the high-value defense and industrial sectors. By securing a supplier role for kinetic interceptors (The Breacher) and ISR platforms (The Sentinel), UMAC is effectively validating its thesis that the U.S. drone industry requires a bifurcated Supply-Chain, moving away from Chinese-dominated components toward NDAA-compliant domestic alternatives.

The timing is also notable. With the recent $25 million strategic Investments in XTI Aerospace closed in November 2025, Unusual Machines is consolidating its influence across the broader Aerospace sector, moving beyond simple component retail into complex systems integration support.

Sources

Sources: Unusual Machines Press Release, Unusual Machines Investor Relations

Photo Credit: Unusual Machines

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Reliable Robotics Secures NASA Contract for Large UAS Airport Testing

Reliable Robotics will conduct automated flights using Cessna 208B to validate safety standards for large UAS integration into national airspace by 2026.

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This article is based on an official press release from Reliable Robotics.

Reliable Robotics Awarded NASA Contract to Validate Large UAS Operations at Airports

Reliable Robotics has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract by NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD). Announced on December 10, 2025, this agreement tasks the Mountain View-based company with conducting operational demonstration flights to validate safety standards for integrating large Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS).

The contract focuses on utilizing the company’s automated Cessna 208B Caravan to collect critical flight data. According to the press release, these operations will take place “at and around airports” to simulate real-world regional air cargo scenarios. The data gathered is intended to assist the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) in finalizing performance standards for large uncrewed aircraft.

Testing Scope and Contingency Management

A primary objective of this testing campaign is to demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to handle system failures without human intervention. Reliable Robotics stated that the flights will specifically validate the system’s capacity to manage “lost command and control (C2) links” and navigate effectively in “GPS degraded or denied” environments.

The testing timeline indicates that data collection and final demonstrations are scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2026. The final demonstration flights are planned to occur between the Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV) and Edwards Air Force Base (KEDW) in California. Rehearsal flights will likely take place within California’s high-desert test corridors, with specific locations currently being determined in collaboration with NASA.

“This testing campaign comes at a unique moment in time, when safety-enhancing aircraft autonomy is rapidly nearing FAA certification and entry into service for regional air cargo and military use cases.”

, Robert Rose, Co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics

Regulatory Implications and Technology

The contract falls under NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) mission. The data collected is expected to be instrumental in writing the Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS), which are necessary for large UAS to fly commercially without special waivers. While current tests often utilize visual observers, the program aims to validate Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems that will eventually replace human eyes in the sky.

The Reliable Autonomy System

Reliable Robotics utilizes its proprietary Reliable Autonomy System (RAS), which is designed to be aircraft-agnostic. The system is currently certified on the Cessna 208B Caravan and the Cessna 172. Unlike traditional autopilots that disconnect during a failure, forcing a human pilot to take over, the RAS is designed to be “fail operational.” This means the system manages contingencies internally, maintaining safety even if specific components or links fail.

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AirPro News Analysis

We note that the designation of this award as an SBIR Phase III contract is significant. Unlike Phase I or II awards, which focus on feasibility and research and development, Phase III contracts are funded by non-SBIR programmatic funds and typically indicate that a technology is ready for commercialization or government application. This suggests NASA views Reliable Robotics’ platform not just as an experiment, but as a mature tool for defining the future of airspace integration.

Furthermore, the dual-use nature of this technology is evident. While this specific contract focuses on civil aviation standards, Reliable Robotics continues to hold contracts with the U.S. Air Force. The data derived from these NASA tests regarding GPS-denied environments will likely have direct applications for military logistics in contested environments.

Company Background

Founded in 2017 by SpaceX and Tesla veterans Robert Rose and Juerg Frefel, Reliable Robotics has raised over $133 million in funding. The company achieved a significant milestone in November 2023 when it successfully flew a Cessna 208B Caravan with no pilot on board. This new NASA contract builds upon previous partnerships, including the AAM National Campaign, where the company served as a vehicle partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft is being used for these tests?
Reliable Robotics will use its automated Cessna 208B Caravan, a standard regional cargo aircraft retrofitted with the Reliable Autonomy System.

When will the testing be completed?
According to the announcement, data collection and final demonstrations are scheduled to conclude by Q3 2026.

What is the main goal of the testing?
The primary goal is to validate safety standards, specifically regarding how large uncrewed aircraft handle communication losses and GPS failures in airport environments.

Sources:
Reliable Robotics Press Release

Photo Credit: Reliable Robotics

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GKN Aerospace and Anduril UK Partner on Next-Gen British UAVs

GKN Aerospace and Anduril UK collaborate to develop autonomous UAVs for British Army’s Project NYX, focusing on UK manufacturing and cutting-edge technology.

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This article is based on an official press release from GKN Aerospace and additional public reporting on the partnership.

GKN Aerospace and Anduril UK Form Strategic Alliance for Next-Gen British UAVs

GKN Aerospace and Anduril Industries UK have officially signed a strategic teaming agreement to collaborate on the development of next-generation Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies. Announced on December 9, 2025, the partnership aims to secure a leading role in the British Army’s future aviation capabilities, specifically targeting the upcoming “Project NYX” competition.

According to the announcement, the collaboration brings together GKN’s long-standing expertise in aerostructures manufacturing with Anduril’s rapid software development and mission autonomy capabilities. The alliance is further bolstered by Archer Aviation, which joins the consortium to provide electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) and hybrid-propulsion technology derived from its commercial aviation programs.

The primary objective of this partnership is to deliver a sovereign “Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform” (Land ACP) for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). This platform is intended to operate alongside the British Army’s Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, providing a force-multiplying capability in contested environments.

Targeting Project NYX and Land ACP

The immediate focus of the new alliance is the British Army’s Project NYX, a flagship innovation program designed to field advanced autonomous systems. The project seeks to develop a UAV capable of acting as a “loyal wingman” to manned assets.

Operational Concepts

The proposed system is designed to be “commanded, not controlled,” meaning it will operate with a high degree of autonomy rather than requiring direct, stick-and-rudder remote piloting. According to program details, the UAV will accept high-level commands from human crews, executing complex tasks such as reconnaissance, target acquisition, and strike missions independently.

A critical requirement for the Land ACP is the ability to operate in environments with heavy electronic warfare threats. The system must also be capable of “countermeasure defeat,” effectively absorbing or neutralizing enemy fire and jamming attempts to protect the manned Apache helicopters it accompanies.

Timeline and Investment

The competition for Project NYX was launched in November 2025, with the contract period for the concept demonstrator phase expected to run from March 2026 to March 2028. Reports indicate that approximately £100 million has been allocated for this initial phase, underscoring the MoD’s commitment to rapidly modernizing its aviation assets.

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A Sovereign Supply Chain

A central pillar of the GKN-Anduril bid is the emphasis on “sovereign capability.” The UK MoD has increasingly prioritized Supply-Chains that are designed and built within the UK to ensure operational independence during crises. This partnership leverages GKN Aerospace’s established manufacturing footprint to meet that requirement.

Manufacturing on the Isle of Wight

Work for the program will be centered at GKN’s facility in Cowes, Isle of Wight. This strategy is expected to secure high-value engineering jobs and utilize the site’s existing expertise in composite technology. Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West, welcomed the announcement, noting the economic benefits for the region.

“The partnership… is exceptionally positive news for the Isle of Wight. It demonstrates that innovative, high-tech Manufacturing… [is] being developed right here.”

— Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West

Roles and Responsibilities

The consortium has divided responsibilities to leverage each partner’s core strengths:

  • Anduril Industries UK: Acting as the Lead Systems Integrator, Anduril will provide its Lattice software platform for command and control, along with the overall system architecture.
  • GKN Aerospace: Serving as the Manufacturing & Integration Partner, GKN will handle structural design, airframe manufacturing, and Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS).
  • Archer Aviation: As the Technology Partner, Archer will contribute high-voltage battery systems and hybrid-propulsion architectures from its “Midnight” eVTOL program.

Dave Bond, SVP of Defence Technology at GKN Aerospace, highlighted the speed at which the partnership intends to deliver results.

“By combining GKN Aerospace’s advanced manufacturing and integration expertise with Anduril’s innovative defence technologies, we can offer an industry-leading solution for the UK Army in rapid time.”

— Dave Bond, SVP of Defence Technology, GKN Aerospace

AirPro News Analysis

This Partnerships represents a significant convergence of “traditional” aerospace manufacturing and “new defense” software methodologies. GKN Aerospace is a heritage player with deep roots in physical aerostructures, while Anduril has built its reputation on a software-first approach that prioritizes speed and autonomy. By integrating Archer Aviation, the consortium also signals a growing trend of adapting commercial eVTOL technology for military logistics and combat support roles.

For the UK Ministry of Defence, this bid offers a potential solution to the challenge of modernizing procurement. The “software-first” philosophy of Anduril, combined with the industrial capacity of GKN, addresses the MoD’s dual need for rapid innovation and reliable, sovereign mass production. If successful, Project NYX could serve as a blueprint for future Human-Machine Teaming (HMT) programs across the British Armed Forces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Project NYX?
Project NYX is a British Army innovation program aimed at developing a Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform (Land ACP), essentially a UAV that acts as a ” loyal wingman” for attack helicopters.

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Who are the key partners in this agreement?
The primary partners are GKN Aerospace (manufacturing) and Anduril Industries UK (software/integration), with support from Archer Aviation (propulsion technology).

Where will the work be performed?
The manufacturing and integration work will be centered at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Cowes, Isle of Wight.

What is the estimated budget for the initial phase?
Approximately £100 million has been allocated for the concept demonstrator phase, which is expected to run through early 2028.

Sources: GKN Aerospace

Photo Credit: GKN

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