DSEI 2025: BAE Systems' FalconWorks, Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works to partner on UASs for UK

An artist's rendering of a potential unmanned concept that might be developed for the UK by FalconWorks and Skunk Works under a teaming arrangement announced at DSEI 2025. (Lockheed Martin – BAE Systems)

BAE Systems' FalconWorks and Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works are to partner on unmanned aircraft system (UAS) requirements for the United Kingdom.

Announced at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition in London on 9 September, the teaming arrangement will see both advanced design houses develop a range of autonomous UASs to a common design for anticipated UK requirements.

“Drawing on both organisations' rapid design, prototyping, and advanced manufacturing expertise, the collaboration will focus on producing a cost-effective and easily deployable system with multiple launch options,” a joint statement said.

Designed to be “rapidly deployable and modular to deliver a range of effects, including disruptive capabilities”, the UASs will initially be focused on delivering an electronic warfare (EW) and attack capability for the suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) to increase the survivability of current crewed combat aircraft.

“The initial system will be designed with modularity and adaptability for different missions, and offer multiple launch options such as airdrop, ground launch, maritime launch, and launch from a widebody logistic aircraft,” the statement said.

While not mentioned in the announcement, the FalconWorks and Skunk Works teaming arrangement came weeks after the UK formally launched its effort to field an unmanned ‘loyal wingman' adjunct to its manned combat aircraft under the Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) Tranche 2 requirement, with a request for information posted by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on 29 July.