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UK Army Expands Drone Contract to Heavier Aircraft

October 26, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

UK Ministry of Defence expands drone contract to cover heavier aircraft.
Maximum take-off weight increases from 20kg to 50kg.
Contract now includes flights beyond visual line of sight.
TIQUILA contract awarded to Lockheed Martin UK in 2022.

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Strategic Implications

This expansion may indicate the UK Army's growing need for more advanced drone capabilities, which could signal a shift in military strategy and procurement priorities. The inclusion of flights beyond visual line of sight suggests a focus on enhancing operational flexibility and responsiveness, which may have implications for future drone development and deployment.

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What Happened

Ministry Of Defence Widens Scope Of TIQUULA Programme

The UK Ministry of Defence is expanding the scope of its TIQUILA drone contract to cover heavier aircraft, increasing the maximum take-off weight from 20kg to 50kg. The contract, awarded to Lockheed Martin UK in 2022, will now include flights beyond visual line of sight. The move is intended to allow the programme to evolve with technological advancements and changing operational demands. According to the UK Defence Journal, the modification is considered a permissible non-material change under existing regulations.

Source | Originally Published: October 26, 2026

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