Leonardo’s Proteus Naval Autonomous Helicopter Makes First Flight | Aviation International News

Leonardo Flies Proteus Naval Autonomous Helicopter

Proteus technology demonstrator could augment existing crewed military platforms in anti-submarine missions

Proteus helicopter sitting on tarmac, grass in foreground — The AW09-derived Proteus is designed and built at Leonardo’s base in Yeovil, Somerset, in southwest England.

By Charlotte Bailey • News Reporter

January 21, 2026

Leonardo has made the first flight of what it described as the UK’s “first autonomous full-size helicopter,” the “Proteus” technology demonstrator. The milestone was reported last week by the Royal Navy, which is working with the Italy-based aerospace and defense group on the project.

The RWUAS Phase 3A Technology Demonstrator Programme (referred to as Proteus) began in 2022 when Leonardo was awarded a four-year, £60 million ($80.5 million) contract to develop an uncrewed aerial system. The project’s objective, said Leonardo, is to “enhance payload modularity, autonomy and rotorcraft technology.”

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