Uncrewed systems technology company SYOS Aerospace has signed a deal to supply multi-domain drones, including SM300 USVs, to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
The joint U.K./New Zealand firm is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs); its SM300s are already in use in Ukraine, supplied under a £30m contract with the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The firm is also currently working with the MoD on developing loyal wingman drones for British Apache helicopters under Project NYX.
The value of the new NZDF contract is not being disclosed, but it will entail providing the force with a range of autonomous uncrewed air, sea and land assets.
They will include the firm’s SA2 autonomous heavy-lift mini-copter and SA7 one-way effector drone, as well as its SG400 uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV).
The SM300 USV being supplied as part of the deal is also being used by the British Royal Navy, which has nicknamed it “Rattler.” It has been used in trials by the RN’s Disruptive Capabilities and Technology Office (DCTO), including shadowing warships in Scotland.
As with its other uncrewed systems, the drone boats use SYOS’s in-house-developed AAIMS autonomy software. The 7.2m rigid inflatable vessels are capable of up to 50 knots, have a range of about 400 miles, and can operate in Sea State 5, where waves are up to 4m high.
SYOS CEO and founder Sam Vye commented: “Our platforms and systems have been proven in some of the world’s most demanding environments, and we’re proud to bring that experience to New Zealand’s capability development.”
He added: “The NZDF’s programme of structured experimentation aligns strongly with how we operate — working shoulder to shoulder with customers and end users to develop solutions that move beyond traditional approaches, to tackle complex, real‑world challenges.”
NZ Defence Minister Judith Collins added: “We’re partnering with New Zealand businesses to ensure the Defence Force can protect our people into the future.
“NZDF will buy and trial advanced uncrewed systems from New Zealand company SYOS Aerospace, enabling access to mission-ready, combat proven technology.”
SYOS was set up in 2021 and has R&D and production facilities in both the U.K. and New Zealand, with its maritime headquarters in Fareham, Portsmouth. It also maintains an operational and support presence in Ukraine.
- You can read more about the SM300 on the SYOS website and more about the NZDF deal on the New Zealand Government website