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.
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has been granted an undefinitised contract to provide A-29 Super Tucano ground support equipment, training logistical support and sustainment activities to the USAF’s Air Force Special Operations Command.
The company will begin meeting the contract at locations in Jacksonville, Florida and Centennial, Colorado.
Mark Williams, VP of aviation strategic plans and programmes said: ‘The USAF will now have the opportunity to deploy the A-29 in support of US and allied operations.’
The A-29 is used by 14 partner air forces and has been used by US special forces for over 10 years.
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.