By Arie Egozi, Autonomy Global – Ambassador for Israel
Elbit Systems UK has finalized the full acquisition of UAV Tactical Systems Ltd. (UTACS), securing all required regulatory and government approvals and bringing the long‑standing joint venture fully under Elbit’s control. The move deepens Elbit’s industrial presence in the UK and aligns with growing European demand for advanced tactical uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to support defence and security missions.
Strategic UK and NATO Role
Over nearly two decades, UTACS has delivered dozens of advanced tactical UAS to the British Army, as well as to international customers including the United Nations and NATO member states. These systems have supported a wide range of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, helping cement UTACS as a key UK‑based tactical UAS supplier.
Full ownership will allow Elbit Systems UK to further develop UTACS as a regional hub for the design, development and support of advanced UAS, leveraging Elbit’s global expertise across the uncrewed domain. The company plans to focus on European and NATO users while maintaining its highly skilled British workforce and strengthening the UK defence industrial base.
Building on Long-Term UTACS Heritage
UTACS was originally created in 2005 to deliver a dedicated Tactical Unmanned Air System capability to the British Army, becoming a core industry partner on the Watchkeeper programme. The company has since delivered more than 40 UAS to the British Army, accumulating close to 100,000 operational flight hours in conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
This operational track record has positioned UTACS as a centre of excellence for tactical UAS, capable of fielding next‑generation platforms for international customers while retaining the robust ISTAR capabilities of the original British Army system. Elbit Systems UK aims to use this heritage as a springboard for expanded exports and collaborative programmes across Europe and NATO.
Elbit Leadership Underscores European Focus
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, president and CEO of Elbit Systems, said the acquisition underlines the Israeli company’s ongoing expansion in the UK to meet rising demand for its advanced defence technologies. As a global leader in UAS with customers across Europe, NATO and beyond, Elbit views full ownership of UTACS as a way to strengthen its engineering and manufacturing base on the continent and reinforce its long‑term commitment to the European defence industry.
Elbit has recently secured a series of large European contracts, reflecting strong demand for its multi‑domain, networked defence solutions and further anchoring its role as a key technology partner for European militaries. Against that backdrop, integrating UTACS fully into Elbit Systems UK is designed to accelerate delivery of advanced uncrewed capabilities tailored to evolving European operational requirements.