Small NZ Company Wins Contract to Supply UK With Drones Bound for Ukraine
The prime ministers of the two countries announced that a new joint defence partnership will be drawn up, to replace one signed in 2015.
UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, look at drones on a display by SYOS, during a visit to a military base training Ukrainian troops in West of England, on April 22, 2025. Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images
A four-year-old New Zealand company, operating from an unassuming warehouse in Tauranga—best known as a seaside holiday and retirement location—has won a NZ$66.8 million (US$39.88 million) contract to supply the UK government with drones for use in Ukraine.
Syos Aerospace was formed in 2021 and specialises in the manufacture of uncrewed vehicles for air, land, and sea use.
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.
