Your first October update

Government backs drone and aviation innovation

The UK Government has announced £4.4 million in funding to support pioneering aviation and drone technology businesses under the latest Future Flight round.

According to National Technology, the grants will help “accelerate the adoption of sustainable and autonomous aviation systems,” supporting projects focused on beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, logistics and infrastructure inspection.

“We’re investing in innovation that could transform how we move goods and people,” said Aviation Minister Keir Mather MP.

Windracers welcomes local MP to showcase UK manufacturing strength

British manufacturer Windracers welcomed local MP Paul Holmes to its Fareham facility last month, where he met the team behind the company’s autonomous heavy-lift aircraft.

As SUAS News reported, the visit “highlighted the company’s contribution to UK innovation and its growing global footprint,” including humanitarian aid missions and defence work.

MP Paul Holmes commented: “Windracers is a shining example of the South’s engineering talent helping to shape the future of aviation.”

UK eVTOL demonstrator takes off

BBC News reported the launch of a trial eVTOL air taxi route between Oxford and Cambridge, part of the ‘OxCam Arc’ initiative exploring regional air mobility in the UK.

“The aim is to test whether short regional flights by electric aircraft can become a viable alternative to road travel,” said the project’s lead engineer.

The demonstrator is backed by a consortium including Vertical Aerospace, Skyports and the UK Civil Aviation Authority. 

Kraus Hamdani K1000ULE added to Pentagon’s Blue UAS list

The Defense Post reported that Kraus Hamdani Aerospace’s K1000ULE long-endurance drone has been added to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Blue UAS Cleared List, meaning it’s now approved for federal use.

“Being selected for Blue UAS confirms the trust in our aircraft’s safety, endurance and data security standards,” commented CEO Fatema Hamdani.

CAA calls for cyber safety feedback

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has asked industry stakeholders to share input on new cyber safety objectives for the Specific Category of drone operations, according to ARPAS-UK.

“The CAA is seeking to ensure that cyber resilience becomes a fundamental part of operational authorisations,” the notice explained.

Operators can submit responses via the ARPAS-UK portal until the consultation closes later this month.

Building a BVLOS-ready agri-drone industry

Also via ARPAS-UK, the association is hosting an event on 9 October 2025 titled “From Training to Transformation: Building a BVLOS-Ready Agri-Drone Industry.”

“The agricultural sector is poised to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of BVLOS capabilities,” organisers noted.

The session will explore training standards, operational readiness and the regulatory path toward scalable agricultural drone use.

Moonrock receives investment from Minority Broker Partners

We are thrilled to say insurance experts, Minority Broker Partners, have backed Moonrock as we continue to grow and become the insurance experts for the ever-evolving drone sector.

The funding will be used to enhance Moonrock’s underwriting capabilities, launch new specialist insurance products, and expand coverage available for emerging aerial technologies. The investment will also support the development of proprietary platforms, increased staffing, and automation tools to streamline internal operations.  

With drone deliveries, aerial surveying services, and eVTOL cargo transport gaining momentum globally, Moonrock is uniquely positioned to lead the insurance evolution for these emerging technologies. The investment will serve as a springboard for Moonrock’s global growth.

Simon Ritterband, MD and founder of Moonrock, said: “This investment marks a pivotal moment in Moonrock’s journey, fuelling bold growth, deeper innovation, and a mission to redefine aerial insurance for the next generation of flight.”