SYOS invited to design NYX drones for Apache fleet

SYOS Aerospace has received an invitation from the UK Ministry of Defence to submit designs for Project NYX, a programme focused on uncrewed aircraft designed to operate alongside British Army helicopters.

The company said the work relates to prototype designs for drones intended to accompany Apache attack helicopters in future operations. The Ministry of Defence has not released further detail in the information provided by the company.

SYOS Aerospace operates in the uncrewed systems market and develops autonomous vehicles across air, land, sea and underwater domains. The company originated in New Zealand and now operates with dual headquarters in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Project Scope

Project NYX centres on uncrewed air systems that work with crewed rotorcraft. SYOS characterised the programme as an approach that involves industry partners in development activity linked to Apache operations.

SYOS CEO and founder Sam Vye described the company's progression in the programme as a sign of how the Ministry of Defence views its work in uncrewed vehicles.

"We are thrilled to advance to the next stage of Project NYX, which is an innovative approach by the Ministry of Defence to work with industry partners to develop Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) to operate alongside Apache attack helicopters," said Sam Vye, CEO and Founder, SYOS Aerospace.

SYOS also positioned the invitation in the context of its international structure. The company describes itself as British and New Zealand in its operations and workforce mix.

"It's great recognition of a young British/ New Zealand company leading the way in autonomous uncrewed vehicles - we're proud to be advancing with some of the global defence primes," said Vye.

Product Base

SYOS said it has a portfolio of uncrewed platforms across multiple domains. The company cited its uncrewed air systems work and referenced the SA200 platform as a current product in its range.

The company described SA200 as a heavy-lift uncrewed helicopter designed for longer endurance missions. It also said the platform sits at a high technology readiness level and is production-ready.

Vye said SYOS uses artificial intelligence as part of its autonomy work. The company also highlighted its approach to design and manufacturing. It said it prioritises minimum viable capability as a framework for product development.

"SYOS has a demonstrated record of innovation, collaboration and rapid delivery. The company's expertise in Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) is demonstrated through its UAS portfolio, including the SA200 - a TRL7/8, production‐ready, heavy‐lift, high endurance uncrewed helicopter - a next generation UAS built for demanding, multi‐domain missions," said Vye.

Operations Footprint

SYOS said it runs research and development and production facilities in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The company also said it maintains an operational and support presence in Ukraine.

The company describes itself as a large manufacturer of uncrewed surface vessels. It did not provide production volumes or financial figures in the information released.

Vye said the company's approach relies on field work with customers and fast iteration. He also pointed to the company's workforce growth and its supply chain plans in the UK.

"We work shoulder to shoulder with customers and end users in field, prototyping fast, testing and iterating at pace, and hardening systems through real-world front-line use, never sacrificing performance or adding needless complexity," said Vye.

"With a highly skilled and growing team, and a strengthening UK supply chain, we're ready to meet the NYX mission," said Vye.