New Zealand Defence Force selects Syos Aerospace to accelerate multi-domain drone operations.

On February 26, 2026, the New Zealand Defence Force selected Syos Aerospace to deliver SM300 uncrewed surface vessels, SA2 and SA7 aerial systems, and SG400 autonomous ground vehicles.

On February 26, 2026, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) selected Syos Aerospace to deliver SM300 uncrewed surface vessels, SA2 and SA7 aerial systems, and SG400 autonomous ground vehicles to improve surveillance, logistics, and experimental strike operations across air, land, and sea. The contract includes the delivery as well as structured experimentation, evaluation, and capability development activities within the NZDF Capability Branch to advance uncrewed systems capability.
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Syos Aerospace will supply a mix of uncrewed surface vessels, aerial ISR systems, strike drones, and heavy-duty autonomous ground vehicles that will improve New Zealand’s ability to conduct surveillance, logistics, and experimental strike operations. (Picture source: Syos)

The maritime component of the contract centers on the SM300, a 6-meter uncrewed surface vessel rated at TRL9, with a 300 kg payload capacity and long-range offshore endurance of up to 650 nautical miles, including operation in Sea State 5 conditions. It uses onboard EO and IR camera processing to track and engage static or moving maritime targets and is built for persistent maritime ISR missions. Electronic resilience is supported through PACE communications, CRPA GNSS, SATCOM connectivity, and advanced terrestrial navigation, with additional operation modes such as visual navigation and dead-reckoning.

Mission configuration is enabled by a large modular payload bay that supports ISR loads, cargo missions, and multi-domain tasks, including UAV and UUV launch. Command and control is structured so operators can set intent and re-task in real time while autonomy handles execution and synchronisation. The SM300 is part of a wider family, in which payload capacities range from 300 kg for the SM300 and 400 kg for the SM400, to 600 kg and 1,000 kg for the SM600 and SM1000 variants, respectively. Syos states that it has produced more than 140 uncrewed surface vessels over the past 12 months, positioning itself among the largest manufacturers in this segment.

Production capacity for smaller USVs such as the SM300 is structured for surge output, with the ability to scale serial manufacturing from dedicated facilities. For instance, a three-day proof-of-concept activity in UK waters involved five 7.2 m RHIB-based uncrewed vessels operating in a coordinated formation for 72 hours while escorting HMS Tyne and HMS Stirling Castle in the North Sea. The vessels were commanded by personnel located 800 km away at Portsmouth Naval Base, with two operators assigned per vessel, one focused on piloting and one on onboard systems monitoring. Development and readiness for that activity were completed in two months. 

In the air domain, the New Zealand contract includes the SA2, an autonomous heavy-lift mini-copter assigned to advanced tactical ISR missions and equipped with a stabilized 3-axis electro-optical and infrared sensor for day and night surveillance. It is described by Syos as a lightweight, man-portable system designed for compact transport and rapid launch by small teams in austere environments. Navigation continuity is supported through vision-based navigation for GNSS-denied operation, while redundant radios are used to preserve command-link resilience.

For communications, it uses dual redundant, encrypted, frequency-hopping data links intended to maintain resilient command and payload connectivity in contested RF environments. Mission scope is stated as multi-domain ISR, ranging from dismounted force overwatch to littoral and expeditionary surveillance. The SA7, for its part, is a multipurpose drone for both airborne logistics and one-way attacks, with a payload capacity of 7 kg and a flight endurance of over 35 minutes. It is intended to transport critical supplies when and where needed, and it is also framed for payload delivery missions that may be non-return, depending on configuration and tasking.

The design includes a weather-sealed airframe intended for reliable performance in harsh, remote environments, and it is specified for operation in electronically contested environments. The SA7 is also stated to support surveying, scientific, and specialist payloads and to perform in tethered operations for persistent aerial presence. Syos states that the SA7 is compact and configured for multi-aircraft deployments to increase operational efficiency without compromising capability. Finally, the land component of the NZDF contract covers the SG400 UGV, a 6x6 uncrewed ground vehicle intended to deliver heavy-duty performance and reliability in the toughest terrains.

Its stated mission value is improving productivity, detection, and access to hard-to-reach areas for tasks that are dull, dirty, and dangerous, thanks to a payload capacity of up to 400 kg. The system is positioned for operations where equipment carriage and support to risky activities are required, with the vehicle moving on land without a driver inside. Within the same multi-domain package, it is paired with training, technical services, and operational support so personnel can integrate and evaluate it during structured experimentation. Founded in 2021 as a joint UK-New Zealand business, Syos operates research, development, and production facilities in both countries.

The company possesses a maritime headquarters in Fareham near Portsmouth in the United Kingdom and an aviation base in Mount Maunganui on New Zealand’s North Island. The company maintains an operational and support presence in Ukraine and links operational feedback from that environment to iterative system updates. In the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Defence has named Syos among seven firms advancing to the next stage of Project NYX, an effort to develop wingman drones for the British Army’s Apache attack helicopters. New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins stated that locally developed and supported drone technology would reduce supply chain risk and strengthen resilience. Syos's chief executive, Sam Vye, stated that the structured experimentation programme aligns with the company’s approach of working directly with end users to accelerate development cycles and contribute to New Zealand’s defence technology ecosystem.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.