UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement
Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) won a $350 million contract with an undisclosed European country for its Special Mission Aircraft. The platform will be used for collecting strategic intelligence.
The contract will be carried out by IAI subsidiary, Elta Systems, which has previously delivered the aircraft to the IDF.
The company has combined advanced sensor miniaturization technology with AI and machine learning software to enable high performance business jets to function as Special Mission Aircraft.
Gideon Landa, VP and General Manager of Elta Airborne Systems, said: ‘IAI’s Special Mission Aircraft offer advanced and unique technological capabilities to meet a broad range of the most demanding intelligence missions. Europe represents a strategic business region for IAI and we will continue to broaden our products and services.’
IAI manufacturers four lines of Special Mission Aircraft: AEW&C, Air to Ground Surveillance (AGS), MPA and SIGINT.
There was no confirmation by IAI as to which lines of aircraft have been selected by the unnamed customer.
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Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
The Swedish Government has asked parliament to authorise two possible export sales as part of its 2025 Spring amending budget bill.
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.