CEO'S ADDRESS W


hat once felt like the stuff of Hollywood has rapidly become one of the most defining and


disruptive technologies in our sectors. Across aerospace, defence, security and space, drones and autonomous systems are transforming how we defend our interests, protect critical national infrastructure, deliver public services and create new opportunities for growth. In recent years, drones and autonomous systems have become a staple of the modern conflict. Ukraine changed how we think about the battlefield, while developments in the Middle East have demonstrated just how quickly new capabilities can emerge and evolve. Innovation cycles that once took years are now measured in months, and sometimes weeks, creating both opportunities and challenges for governments, industry and regulators alike. The good news is that the UK is well placed to seize the opportunities ahead in drone and autonomous systems. The UK is rapidly establishing itself as an attractive destination for investment, with emerging centres of expertise developing across the country. From advanced testing and manufacturing capabilities in Wales and the South West to growing clusters


focused on autonomy and uncrewed systems, as outlined in the Defence Growth Deals, the foundations are being laid for a sector capable of creating highly skilled jobs, driving economic growth and strengthening national resilience. Recent months have provided further cause for optimism. The launch of Europe's largest drone testing facility in Swindon in June 2026, alongside a £5 billion commitment through the Defence Investment Plan, reflects a growing recognition of the strategic importance of these technologies. Industry is scaling up too. SMEs, which make up 95% of ADS membership, are bringing the agility and innovation that this fast-moving sector demands, while larger companies provide the scale and industrial capacity needed to turn promising ideas into deployable capability. Both have a vital role to play in building the sovereign capabilities increasingly required by the UK and its allies. However, this conversation extends


far beyond defence. Drones and autonomous systems are already supporting critical national infrastructure, emergency services, environmental monitoring, transport and public safety. As showcased at Security & Policing earlier this year, advances in drone and


counter-drone technologies are helping organisations better protect people, assets and infrastructure, while creating new opportunities for innovation across the security and resilience landscape. As those opportunities grow, so too do the challenges. If the UK is to realise the full potential of these technologies, policy, regulation, procurement, investment, skills and industrial capacity must move in step. Companies need clearer routes from research and testing into deployment, production and export, while government, regulators and industry must work together to support faster procurement and technology pull-through. There is no doubt that the UK has the industrial base and the testing environment to become a global leader in the drone economy. As the trade association representing aerospace, defence, security and space, ADS will continue to work with government, regulators and industry to remove barriers and unlock opportunities for growth. With the right support, this technology can strengthen national resilience and help ensure the UK remains at the forefront of innovation for years to come. In this inaugural edition of our new-


look Advance, we explore the innovations keeping the UK at the forefront of drone technology, the dual-use applications transforming our sectors, how UK capabilities are supporting Ukraine on the frontline, and what more must be done to strengthen this fast-moving and strategically important industry.


Kevin Craven, CEO, ADS Group


Autumn 2026 | Advance 5


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