Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest
The Proteus demonstrator took its maiden flight in January 2026. (Photo: Leonardo UK)
The Proteus demonstrator is being pitched as a key platform showcasing the UK’s capabilities to build autonomous systems, with Leonardo in ongoing discussions about the future of the programme with the Royal Navy and UK Ministry of Defence.
Leonardo executives have said the company is optimistic of further funding for its Proteus programme, ahead of the UK’s pending Defence Investment Plan (DIP), with the company also in discussions with international customers in the wake of successful flight tests.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded Leonardo a four-year contract worth £60 million (US$82 million) in 2022 for the Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air Systems (RWUAS) Phase 3A Technology Demonstrator Programme – also known as ‘Proteus’.
The technology demonstrator initiative, developed by Leonardo at its UK base in Yeovil, is being carried out in partnership with the UK MoD to support the Royal
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