Defence technology startup ARX aims to produce 1,800 land drones annually at its new facility in the UK.

      The German startup ARX Robotics has revealed its intention to invest £45 million in a new facility in the UK, where it will manufacture autonomous battlefield robots designed for use in conflict zones globally.

      This plant, situated at a yet-to-be-disclosed location in southwest England, is anticipated to produce 1,800 ground-based drones annually once operational. The battlefield robots developed by ARX resemble small tanks but are unarmed. They are equipped with treads for mobility and can be outfitted with various tools such as radar, mine-sweeping devices, or medical stretchers.

      The largest of ARX's robots can transport military loads up to 500 kg, including wounded soldiers, across battlefields. One variant serves as a mobile target for training, while another is designed to carry aerial drones into combat.

      These robots are modular and constructed from readily available components. They are designed for quick field repairs by soldiers, requiring no tools. Although they operate autonomously, military personnel can also maneuver them remotely via a tablet.

      The armed forces of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and the UK have already tested ARX’s technology in the field. In February, the company supplied 30 of its combat robots to the Ukrainian Armed Forces currently engaged in active operations.

      Marc Wietfeld, the CEO of ARX — who is set to speak at the TNW Conference in June — stated that the UK facility would enhance the “long-term technological sovereignty” of both the UK and wider Europe. He remarked on the “increasingly volatile and fast-moving world” we inhabit.

      “This initiative aims to bolster European resilience through technological sovereignty, scalable autonomy, and the modernization of land forces,” he explained.

      Defence technology is on the rise in Europe. In light of growing geopolitical tensions, European countries have recently committed to significant increases in defence budgets.

      In March 2025, EU leaders approved the “ReArm Europe” plan, which seeks to mobilize up to £683 billion (€800 billion) over the next four years to improve military capacities. Similarly, the UK government has pledged to elevate its defence spending to 2.5% of GDP and mandates that at least 10% of its defence budget is directed towards “innovative technologies.”

      ARX aims to take advantage of this political momentum.

      UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey expressed his strong support for the startup's £45 million investment in the country, stating, “It will create highly skilled jobs and bolster European security," Healey remarked.

      Wietfeld co-founded ARX in 2022 with fellow veterans from the German army, Stefan Röbel and Maximilian Wied. Last year, the company secured £7.7 million (€9 million) in seed funding from NATO’s innovation fund.

      Marc Wietfeld will share his perspectives at the TNW Conference, scheduled for June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the conference are now available for purchase. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at checkout to receive a 30% discount.