The drones will be designed to replace existing Mini Uncrewed Aerial Systems (MUAS) which are expected to be retired by the end of 2024.
Lockheed will supply 159 rotary-wing Indago 4 devices which weigh just 2.27kg and can be folded and carried in a soldier’s backpack and deployed in two minutes with a range of approximately eight miles.
Its high-resolution camera system provides zoom capabilities for deployed forces to accurately identify people, objects, vehicles and weapons, be it day or night.
A further 105 fixed-wing Stalker VXE30 drones will also be produced that weigh a little over 20kg and feature a 4.88-metre wingspan. The Stalker is more capable than the Indago 4 and can be vertically-launched and flown for more than eight hours, covering around 60 miles.
Alex Chalk KC, minister for defence procurement, said: “As the global threat changes, it’s crucial we remain at the forefront of innovation, delivering cutting edge capabilities to our deployed...