PROTEUS TAKES FLIGHT
Description
The UK Ministry of Defence has released footage of what it says is the maiden flight of Britain’s first autonomous full-sized military helicopter. Developed by Leonardo in Yeovil, the Proteus helicopter completed a six-minute test flight at Predannack Airfield in Cornwall during the weekend of 10–11 January 2026. With a payload capacity of over one tonne, Proteus is remotely monitored from a control room while also capable of making certain flight decisions independently. The milestone highlights the UK military’s push toward advanced autonomous systems and next-generation defence technology.
