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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era]()
“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era
European militaries face a new security landscape, with the proliferation of drones, theatre ballistic missiles and other threats boosting requirements for airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and related systems. For L3Harris, missionised business jets are central to meeting these needs, providing capability and flexibility in a cost-effective package.
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
![April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans]()
April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans
Countries releasing their spending budgets over the past month have placed an emphasis on advancing next-generation crewed programmes as well as upgrades and expansion plans for air combat and aerial refuelling capabilities.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
