The battlefield has changed. Not changing. Changed. The agility and pace of technological development are no longer just directing research; they are fundamentally redefining operational application.
The Mission
At the crux of this development is the removal of personnel from the “dull, dirty, and dangerous”. From uncrewed flight to ground-station automation, this technology is underpinned by a sophisticated understanding of data and its application, ensuring secure information, safe skies, and an agile ecosystem.
A Sovereign requirement
This reality demands a departure from traditional procurement. To stay ahead, the UK requires a dedicated environment for autonomy, where machines can see, think, and act. This coupled with the critical thinking and real-world experience of skilled people is critical for an effective ecosystem and operational technology.
By providing a space to build, learn, and grow, iAero can secure the sovereign capability required to protect British interests. It can serve as this vital bedrock, bridging the gap between laboratory experimentation and the frontline.
Investment meets innovation
The direction of travel is clear. In 2025, the UK Government reinforced its commitment to autonomy with a £4 billion investment in autonomous systems, supported by the historic transition to 2.5% GDP defence spending. This fiscal commitment is designed to surge uncrewed aerial systems’ lethality and accuracy while opening new doors for British exports. This will be underpinned by OEMs and SMEs working alongside each other.
Join the ecosystem
iAero is the link between commercial ingenuity and military requirement. We offer a state-of-the-art neutral hub where industrial “know-how” is refined against the demands of the modern battlefield.
An agile testbed is no longer a luxury; it is a strategic necessity. We invite collaborators to develop autonomous solutions that are “born-ready” for defence integration, ensuring that when the military evaluates your technology, it is already aligned with the operational reality of today from the heart of the South West.
2026 is the Year of Innovation.