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Coptrz Defence have been awarded a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence to supply Mobile Ground Sensors (MGS) as part of the Human Machine Teaming (HMT) framework. Designed to make soldiers more effective by pairing them with robotics, this framework has a headroom of £300m over a three-year period. The award comes on the back of multiple recent projects Coptrz Defence received from the MoD, solidifying their position as a key trusted uncrewed technology partner. The awarding Authority is Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), Future Capability Group (FCG), who have established the Expeditionary Robotics Centre of Expertise (ERCoE) for the contracting and experimentation activity in Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) for the British Army’s RAS Strategy. The project then collates the evidence required for the Defence Integrated Review (IR) scheduled for 2025. This specific requirement was for soldier portable, rapidly deployable, remoted & simple-to-use Mobile Ground Sensor Systems (MGS) to provide the user with a networked day and night, short-range reconnaissance capability for complex terrain where static and sUAS sensors can’t observe. As part of the contract, Coptrz Defence will provide an internal tactical recon system, based around the Sky-Hero Sigyn, alongside comprehensive training for operations and maintenance of the systems allied to a support package both in person and digitally. This will be delivered as a hybrid solution including both in person and via the award-winning Coptrz Academy online uncrewed training platform. Coptrz Defence offers a range of Robotic Autonomous Systems (RAS), including Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGV), Uncrewed Submersible Vehicles (USV) and state-of-the-art software that compliments this range. Sam Denniff, Head of Defence at Coptrz, commented “This technology will give the operators a strategic advantage on the battlefields of today and tomorrow.” “The solution’s ability to provide life-saving information in complex environments has been key in winning this award.” Alexis Franck of Sky-Hero, commented “This award highlights the Sigyn’s ability to navigate in complex environments and confined spaces. Providing reliable, life-saving information to key military special forces and firearm teams worldwide.”

The landscape in which modern warfare is conducted is ever-evolving. In today’s increasingly complex and uncertain battlefields, technology plays a pivotal role. Technological advancements enable armed forces across the globe to harness previously unimaginable possibilities. From state-of-the-art weaponry to intelligent communication systems, developments in technology are changing the shape of armed combat as we know it, and fast. Now more than ever before, intelligence is key. The days of battles fought on vast open terrain are now a figment of history, replaced by intricate and unpredictable urban landscapes which present myriad challenges for the modern soldier. Add to this the rapid digitisation of global combat and the deployment of artificial intelligence systems, and the stakes are higher than ever. Keeping pace is essential for survival, but being ahead of the game is even better.

Introduction to Sky-Hero Since its launch in 2013, Sky-Hero has been pioneering a new era in public safety and defence through its innovative tactical unmanned vehicles. Tailored to master the complex challenges of indoor environments , these robotic guardians are reshaping strategies and setting new standards in operational safety. Their products, widely acclaimed and approved by professional first-responder operators around the globe, are a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to safety and excellence. Nestled in the heart of Belgium, Sky-Hero adheres to the rigorous EU quality standards, distinguishing itself through its dedication to trustworthiness, genuineness, rationality, and ingenuity. This commitment is reflected in every aspect of their operation, from design to deployment, ensuring that their unmanned vehicles are not just tools, but reliable partners in the dynamic world of law enforcement and military operations. As we venture into an era where robotics are increasingly pivotal in tactical operations, Sky-Hero’s systems are steering the future towards enhanced safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in critical mission scenarios. 

The Army Warfighting Experiment presents a unique opportunity for cutting-edge military technology to be showcased and tested in real-world scenarios. Each year, the Army releases a new ‘hypothesis’ around a capability that they require fulfilling.

The indoor tactical robotics suite from SKY-HERO is undergoing a huge expansion in 2022, providing tactical operators with access to an easy-to-use, intelligent recon ecosystem that revolutionises mission safety. Founded in 2013, SKY-HERO provides innovative tactical unmanned vehicles for challenging indoor environments. Their products are designed to keep people safe and meet the growing operational needs of law enforcement and security forces around the world. In fact, since 2016, military, law enforcement, government, and security teams around the globe have been able to benefit from an innovative indoor tactical sUAV (aerial robot | drone), the highly successful Loki Mk2, already adopted by more than 1,000 teams across five continents, including 20 EU countries, 47 US states, and all 10 Canadian provinces. Building off the success of the Loki internal tactical drone , SKY-HERO have expanded their eco-system, now offering a lightweight, throwable ground robot, purpose-built for the collection of real-time data and intelligence.

2021 was a remarkable year for the drone industry, seeing the technology utilised in new and innovative ways. With drones becoming more widely accepted by both society and professional organisations, it is unsurprising to see the vast adoption of drone technology by Military & Defence organisations.

Coptrz assisted Brigantes and the British Army in hosting the inaugural Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Solutions event at Battle Lab. Over 15 brands presented their range of products to 100 visitors.