Mount Maunganui’s Syos Shortlisted for Massive $229m UK ‘Wingman’ AI Drone Contract
By Lions Roar Aotearoa Tech Desk
MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND (Tuesday, January 27, 2026) — In a major win for New Zealand’s growing aerospace sector, Mount Maunganui-based Syos Aerospace has been shortlisted by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for a futuristic “loyal wingman” drone contract worth £100 million ($229m NZD).
Known as Project NYX, the initiative aims to develop autonomous AI-driven drones that can fly alongside crewed Apache attack helicopters to perform reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and precision strikes in high-threat combat zones.
⚔️ A David vs. Goliath Battle
Syos is one of only seven companies worldwide invited to submit designs for the program. The Kiwi startup finds itself competing against global defense “primes” including:
- Lockheed Martin (USA)
- BAE Systems (UK)
- Thales (France)
Despite the heavy-weight competition, Syos founder and CEO Sam Vye believes the firm’s “nimbleness and fast-prototyping” give them a distinct edge. The shortlist will be trimmed to four suppliers in March, with a physical demonstrator expected shortly after and full operational capability targeted for 2030.
🚀 The Rocket Lab of Drones?
Syos, founded in 2021, is quickly becoming a powerhouse in uncrewed technology. The company already secured a £30m deal last year to supply drones to the UK MoD for use in Ukraine.
- Local Expansion: To keep up with global demand, Vye plans to triple the Mount Maunganui-based staff this year, leasing additional space next to their current headquarters.
- Diverse Portfolio: Following the acquisition of Tauranga’s Bay Dynamics, Syos now produces everything from “thumper” drones (designed to knock enemy UAVs out of the sky) to uncrewed submersibles and land vehicles.
- Global Ambition: Vye has stated his goal is to emulate the global success of Rocket Lab, which recently signed a $1.4 billion US military contract.
📊 Project NYX & Syos: Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Contract Value | £100 Million ($229 Million NZD) |
| Project Name | Project NYX (“Loyal Wingman”) |
| Primary Goal | AI drones to support Apache Helicopters |
| Next Milestone | Shortlist cut to 4 suppliers in March 2026 |
| Syos HQ | Mount Maunganui, New Zealand (R&D Center) |
🇳🇿 NZ’s Defence Tech Pivot
The news coincides with a shift in New Zealand’s own defense policy. In October last year, Defence Minister Judith Collins launched a new Defence Industry Strategy and a Technology Accelerator program with an investment of up to $300 million.
The strategy aims to help local innovators like Syos showcase “New Zealand-made” military tech to global partners. Vye expects the first round of local funding from this program to be allocated starting in July this year.
