U.S. defense technology company Anduril Industries is exploring the possibility of establishing a drone manufacturing and research and development facility in the United Kingdom, as part of its strategy to enhance its presence in the European defense market.
Sources indicate that the company is evaluating potential locations near Oxford and Cambridge—areas that the U.K. government aims to develop into a technology innovation hub. The proposed facility would likely focus on the production of fixed-wing drones and serve as a vital research base to support the British military.
Rich Drake, who manages Anduril’s operations in the U.K. and Europe, highlighted that the decision to move forward depends on demand. “If the orders come in, we’re ready to build,” he stated, emphasizing the company’s commitment to rapidly deploying its technology where it is most needed, including delivering ALTIUS drones to Ukraine and expanding operations in the U.K.
Anduril’s initiative aligns with the trend of increasing production among European defense startups responding to rising demand. For instance, German AI firm Helsing has invested approximately $453 million over the past five years to establish its own facility in the U.K., while French company Mistral is actively pursuing contracts with European militaries, including those in Britain and Germany.
Earlier this month, Anduril’s U.K. division secured a $38.8 million contract with the British government to provide ALTIUS 600M and 700M drones for Ukraine, supported by international defense funding.
The company is also experiencing rapid growth in the U.S. In early 2025, Anduril announced plans to invest $10 billion in a new weapons facility called Arsenal-1 in Columbus, Ohio. This site will focus on producing drones, autonomous underwater vehicles, and AI surveillance systems powered by the company’s Lattice platform.
