UNITED KINGDOM —Defense technology vendor Leonardo DRS has launched DRS UK, a wholly owned subsidiary equipped with a purpose-built manufacturing facility to produce tactical radar systems locally in the United Kingdom.
This operational expansion establishes a dedicated European hub to manufacture advanced sensing hardware, expanding regional production capacity for radar panels utilized in active protection, short-range air defense, and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS). Over 10,000 unit panels from this product family have been fielded globally across allied defense forces.
Leonardo DRS is a US-based defense contractor specializing in advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and naval electric power technologies for military applications. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the publicly traded entity operates as the principal US subsidiary of Italian aerospace group Leonardo.
The establishment of domestic manufacturing capacity directly aligns with United Kingdom defense priorities emphasizing supply chain resilience and sovereign industrial capability. By embedding hardware production and engineering operations locally, the company strengthens its capability to meet immediate procurement cycles and long-term sustainment requirements for sovereign defense programs.
The initiative impacts defense prime contractors, system integrators, and military procurement agencies across Europe. Expanding production infrastructure within the region reduces supply chain vulnerabilities for critical sensing components, enabling faster deployment schedules for vehicle protection and airspace defense architectures.
For international defense markets, the facility positions the enterprise to capitalize on heightened NATO defense spending and urgent operational requirements for counter-drone technologies. The investment establishes a strategic base to drive export growth across wider European security markets while deepening operational alignment with key defense partners.
