BAE Systems Signs Framework deal for Logistics Drone Expansion

BAE Systems FalconWorks and SURVICE Engineering have signed a framework agreement to collaborate on the development of uncrewed air system (UAS) technologies, expanding cooperation tied to military logistics drones and future tactical unmanned aircraft, the companies announced in a joint statement.

The agreement builds on an existing partnership dating back to 2015 involving Malloy Aeronautics, a company acquired by BAE Systems in 2024. Malloy supplies the all-electric T-150 uncrewed logistics platform, which SURVICE Engineering supports for U.S. Armed Forces customers, including the U.S. Marine Corps, where the system is fielded as the TRV-150.

According to the companies, the new framework establishes cooperation across a broader portfolio of small and tactical unmanned aircraft systems, enabling joint exploration of new operational roles and technology development initiatives. The collaboration will focus on expanding capabilities beyond logistics missions as uncrewed aircraft take on increasing roles in defense operations.

“We look forward to working together with SURVICE Engineering to develop this capability for today’s rapidly evolving battlespace,” said Anthony Gregory, business development director at BAE Systems FalconWorks.

SURVICE Engineering said the agreement follows operational experience gained through deployment of Malloy-developed platforms with U.S. military units. “Partnering with Malloy, our successes include fielding the TRV-150 to the USMC and US Army and demonstrating use cases beyond logistics, including mine clearing, obscurant deployment, and weaponisation,” said Greg Thompson, president of SURVICE Engineering. “The agreement with FalconWorks is a logical next step to continue advancing UAS technologies and use cases and we are excited to expand our relationship across the BAE FalconWorks portfolio and look forward to many more successes.”

The T-150 platform is an all-electric uncrewed logistics aircraft designed to transport supplies without onboard personnel. In U.S. Marine Corps service as the TRV-150, the system supports resupply missions intended to reduce risk to troops operating in contested or difficult terrain. Demonstrations conducted with U.S. forces have explored additional operational applications beyond cargo delivery.

The new framework agreement expands collaboration into a wider range of uncrewed aircraft concepts, including systems capable of operating alongside crewed combat platforms. BAE Systems said the effort aligns with ongoing development programs aimed at integrating autonomous aircraft into future force structures.

FalconWorks serves as BAE Systems’ advanced research and development organization focused on rapid innovation and experimentation across aerospace and defense technologies. The group works on emerging concepts intended to transition into operational capability through collaboration with industry partners and military users.

SURVICE Engineering provides engineering and technical support services to U.S. defense programs, including development and integration of specialized combat equipment and autonomous systems for the U.S. Marine Corps and other military customers.

The agreement comes amid growing military interest in uncrewed aircraft performing missions ranging from logistics support to tactical operations alongside crewed systems. Defense organizations increasingly view autonomous platforms as a way to expand operational reach while reducing personnel exposure during high-risk missions.

BAE Systems said the partnership forms part of a broader strategy to accelerate development of uncrewed air capabilities to meet evolving national and international defense requirements.