The British government has announced a major procurement of over 1,000 small surveillance drones for the British Army as part of its broader Defence Investment Plan. This includes 245 FOXE-NATO drones from Evolve Dynamics in Hampshire, 670 Skydio X10 INTL drones from California-based Skydio, and 110 SONORA drones from Exeter-based Brigantes Consulting and Harmattan AI. The drones are intended for training and operational use, with the total deal involving UK-based companies and costing £16 million. The FOXE-NATO drones are lightweight, weighing under 250 grams, and are equipped with infrared cameras that allow for nighttime operations. They can be quickly deployed from a backpack or pouch, making them highly portable. The Skydio X10 INTL drones are more powerful, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour and designed for fast deployment in various environments. These drones are part of a growing trend in military technology that emphasizes mobility and real-time surveillance capabilities. In addition to the smaller drones, the UK government has also announced a £400 million investment in "long-endurance surveillance drones," including the Tekever AR5 model. The initial order includes six of these drones, with plans to expand to 24 units by 2029. These drones are designed for extended missions and have already been used in conflict zones such as Ukraine. They can carry up to 50 kilograms of cameras and sensors, and their assembly is taking place in Swindon, UK. This investment is expected to create around 1,000 jobs across the UK, including in the South West, Edinburgh, and London. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted the importance of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) drones in detecting emerging threats and improving situational awareness on the battlefield. This initiative also includes replacing the Watchkeeper Uncrewed Air System, which has been in use since 2014 and is scheduled to be retired in 2027. Luke Pollard, the UK’s Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, emphasized the significance of the investment, stating that soldiers deserve the best technology available. Karl Brew, Managing Director of Tekever UK, expressed pride in delivering the AR5 drones to the British Army, noting that the investment supports national security and creates skilled jobs in the UK.