Elbit Systems Expands in Europe with Full Acquisition of UTACS
Enhancing the UK’s Position as a Leading Hub for Uncrewed Technology, Supporting European and NATO Defence Efforts
London, January 22, 2026. Elbit Systems UK has finalized the full acquisition of UAV Tactical Systems Ltd. (UTACS), which follows the receipt of all required regulatory and government approvals. Over nearly two decades, UTACS has supplied dozens of advanced tactical uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to the British Army as well as to international customers, including the United Nations and NATO member countries.
Full ownership will allow Elbit Systems UK to further develop UTACS as a leading and innovative British and regional hub for the design, development and support of advanced UAS, leveraging Elbit Systems’ global expertise and technological leadership in the uncrewed domain – a growing segment worldwide. The company will focus on serving the needs of European and NATO customers, continuing to deliver its existing programmes while retaining its highly skilled British workforce and engineering excellence, strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base and supporting customers across the UK, NATO and Europe.
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems: “Elbit Systems continues to expand its presence in the UK to meet the growing demand for our products and technologies. As a global leader in UAS, with customers across Europe, NATO, and beyond, this acquisition further strengthens our engineering and manufacturing capabilities across the continent, reinforcing our long‑term commitment to the UK and the wider European defence industry.”
