Flexible Tactical Uncrewed Air System (FTUAS) - Navy UCR

The UK Ministry of Defence is procuring Flexible Tactical Uncrewed Air Systems (FTUAS) and ancillaries from THALES UK LIMITED under a Military Owned Military Operated (MOMO) model, valued at GBP 16,603,402, specifically designated for Navy Uncrewed Combat Regiment (UCR) use. These systems provide expeditionary intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities as a runway-independent Group 3 UAS, akin to the US Army's FTUAS intended to replace the RQ-7B Shadow with vertical takeoff/landing, modular payloads, EO/IR sensors, and enhanced endurance. The procurement supports tactical flexibility in naval operations, aligning with modern demands for rapidly deployable, low-signature unmanned assets in brigade-level maneuvers.