The British military is undergoing a technological transformation, and the skies are a key battleground.

The recent acquisition of the Stalker VXE30 and Indago 4 drones marks a significant leap forward in the United Kingdom’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

Project TIQUILA and its Two New Recruits

Project TIQUILA, the ambitious program behind the procurement, is set to redefine how British forces operate.

At the heart of this initiative are two drones with distinct but complementary roles.

Stalker VXE30

The Stalker is a formidable vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) behemoth that weighs 20 kilograms (44 pounds) and has a 4.88-meter wingspan. It is designed for endurance.

Its ability to soar for up to eight hours, covering distances of 60 miles (97 kilometers), offers an unprecedented level of persistent surveillance.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) placed its order for the Lockheed Martin Stalker drone in December 2022 for 129 million pounds ($157 million).