The British Army is seeking to acquire an autonomous collaborative platform (ACP) to strengthen its fleet of Apache AH-64E helicopters. The effort follows the Royal Air Force’s introduction of the StormShroud ACP earlier this year and is aimed at expanding capabilities for reconnaissance, strike missions, target acquisition, and neutralizing countermeasures. By integrating such a system, the army hopes to enhance the lethality and survivability of its manned helicopters.
According to a notice posted on the UK Ministry of Defence’s sourcing portal, the platform must feature a high degree of autonomy, functioning more as a “commanded” partner than a remotely controlled asset. This autonomy is expected to allow greater operational flexibility and reduce pilot workload during complex missions.
The desired system should include vertical take-off and landing capabilities, a payload capacity exceeding 200 kilograms, and a comprehensive support infrastructure. Advanced technologies such as AI-driven decision-making, digital twins, and synthetic environments will also be required to ensure seamless autonomy and secure data management.
As part of the program’s early steps, the British Army has scheduled an industry workshop at the Defence BattleLab in Dorset on 21 August. The event will allow potential partners to explore opportunities, share technical insights, and align with the army’s vision for next-generation collaborative airpower.
