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Kiwi aerospace company shortlisted for UK military's £100m drone project

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 28 Jan 2026, 8:59am
SYOS founder and chief executive Sam Vye. Photo / Jason Dorday
SYOS founder and chief executive Sam Vye. Photo / Jason Dorday

Kiwi aerospace company shortlisted for UK military's £100m drone project

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 28 Jan 2026, 8:59am

A Kiwi company's been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence to design a futuristic helicopter drone programme. 

SYOS Aerospace is among seven companies shortlisted for Project NYX to design 'wingman' drones to accompany British Army Apache Attack helicopters. 

CEO Sam Vye says it's great recognition of a young New Zealand company leading the way in un-crewed vehicles. 

He told Mike Hosking they have a number of competitors all around the world, but they strive to have a solid, unique selling point being a Kiwi company. 

“We’re really focused on rapid development and delivering capability at a very affordable cost.” 

SYOS signed a nearly $67 million drone contract with the UK military last year. 

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