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SYOS Aerospace has won a contract with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to provide uncrewed autonomous vehicles and specialist services across air, land and sea.
The agreement covers platform supply and a programme of structured experimentation, evaluation and development focused on uncrewed systems. It also includes training, technical services and operational support for NZDF personnel.
SYOS said the work supports NZDF modernisation and capability development priorities. As part of the arrangement, it will also provide specialist services to the NZDF Capability Branch.
Platforms named under the contract include the SM300 uncrewed surface vessel, the SA2 and SA7 uncrewed aircraft systems, and the SG400 uncrewed ground vehicle.
Multi-domain focus
The deal reflects a wider shift among defence forces towards multi-domain uncrewed fleets and structured trials to test how new systems fit existing operating models. Such programmes often combine equipment delivery with iterative assessment cycles that incorporate user feedback, operational analysis, and updates to training and procedures.
For SYOS, the contract adds a home-market defence customer in New Zealand and the UK to its portfolio. The company says it is dual headquartered in New Zealand and the UK, with research and production facilities in both countries.
SYOS also maintains an operational and support presence in Ukraine, which it describes as a source of experience operating uncrewed systems in demanding environments.
Sam Vye, the founder and chief executive officer of SYOS, said the agreement aligns with NZDF priorities and experimentation methods.
"We're delighted to support the NZDF and are well-positioned to support the NZDF's strategic priorities. Our platforms and systems have been proven in some of the world's most demanding environments, and we're proud to bring that experience to New Zealand's capability development," said Sam Vye, Chief Executive Officer, SYOS.
Platforms and services
The SM300 is an uncrewed surface vessel, a category commonly used for surveillance, patrol and payload carriage in coastal and harbour settings. They are also used in trials exploring integration with crewed vessels and shore-based command systems.
The SA2 and SA7 are uncrewed aircraft systems. SYOS groups its air systems under intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance missions and airborne logistics, but did not outline specific NZDF use cases for the aircraft named.
The SG400 is an uncrewed ground vehicle. Systems in this class are typically assessed on tasks requiring persistence and remote operation, such as route reconnaissance and payload transport.
Beyond platforms, the agreement includes training and operational support. Defence programmes of this kind often emphasise operator proficiency, maintenance routines, data handling and safety controls. The NZDF work also includes evaluation activity, which can inform procurement decisions and future force design.
International experimentation
SYOS said the agreement may extend to support Project Convergence 2026, a multinational partnered experimentation campaign focused on AI-enabled battlefield management and next-generation military technologies.
Such campaigns are a common way for allied forces to test interoperability and data-sharing practices while evaluating systems from multiple suppliers. They can also provide a pathway for companies to demonstrate how platforms perform alongside partner forces and in varied environments.
Vye linked SYOS's operating model to structured experimentation with end users.
"The NZDF's programme of structured experimentation aligns strongly with how we operate - working shoulder to shoulder with customers and end users to develop solutions that move beyond traditional approaches, to tackle complex, real‐world challenges. We are committed to contributing to the growth of New Zealand's defence‐technology ecosystem," said Vye.
UK activity
The NZDF contract follows recent activity in the UK, where the Ministry of Defence has been running Project NYX, a programme linked to the British Army's Apache attack helicopters and often described as "wingman drones".
Last month, the UK Ministry of Defence named SYOS as one of seven firms progressing to the next stage of Project NYX, according to the company. The work sits within broader efforts across NATO countries to assess uncrewed aircraft in support of crewed platforms and to examine how autonomy and communications links perform in contested conditions.
SYOS describes itself as one of the world's largest manufacturers of uncrewed surface vessels. The NZDF contract adds another multi-domain reference customer as the company continues work across New Zealand, the UK and other operational theatres.