In a major development for the UK’s defence innovation landscape, British SME Hybrid Drones Ltd—developers of the hybrid jet-electric Hydra 400 uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV)—has announced a strategic investment from MBDA, a key defence partner to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).
This marks one of the first times MBDA has invested in a British SME, reflecting a broader move to strengthen industrial partnerships under the UK’s evolving defence industrial strategy. The investment ensures continued development of the Hydra 400, a heavy-lift UAV capable of supporting a variety of mission profiles, from casualty evacuation and logistics to integration with advanced weapon systems.
As MBDA invests in Hydra Drones, it also becomes a shareholder in the company, laying the groundwork for long-term collaboration. The partnership aims to combine the innovation of a fast-growing UAV developer with MBDA’s extensive experience in complex weapons integration.
Dr Stephen Prior, CEO of Hybrid Drones Ltd, stated:
“While our initial collaboration with MBDA validated our agile and innovative approach, this investment is a meaningful step forward. It supports our vision of contributing directly to national defence capabilities while retaining a high-skilled local workforce. It’s exactly the kind of partnership that builds a resilient and sovereign defence supply chain.”
The Hydra 400 represents a new generation of heavy-lift UAVs, using a unique hybrid configuration of electric rotors and jet turbines for propulsion. It can be adapted for various mission needs and transported easily on a flatbed vehicle, with assembly and launch readiness achieved in minutes. Configurations include fully electric or hybrid setups using two, four, or six jet turbines.
Suzanne Jude, Director of UK Sales and Business Development at MBDA, added:
“Supporting innovative UK SMEs like Hybrid Drones Ltd is part of our long-term commitment to maintaining sovereign defence capabilities. This investment strengthens our collaborative approach and enhances the competitive edge of the UK defence industry.”
The two companies’ relationship began during the British Army’s Warfighting Experiment, which tests emerging defence technologies in operational settings. That collaboration allowed Hybrid Drones to demonstrate the capabilities of the Hydra 400 and engage with defence stakeholders.
Dr Prior further emphasized the importance of the broader industrial ecosystem:
“We are grateful to the Army’s Land Industrial Strategy, which helped pave the way for this collaboration. Sustained cooperation between the armed forces and industry is essential to delivering the next generation of defence technologies.”
As MBDA invests in Hydra Drones, the partnership stands as a model for how established defence companies and innovative SMEs can jointly develop solutions to meet evolving military requirements.
