Drone Major Unveils First-Ever Managed Procurement Platform

A new procurement platform aims to transform how the UK’s drone industry connects innovation with opportunity.

Drone Major has launched a world-first managed procurement system designed to streamline supply chains, accelerate major drone projects, and expand SME access within a fast-growing global market.

The global drone sector entered a new chapter today as Drone Major, one of the world’s leading independent drone advisory firms, unveiled a groundbreaking managed procurement platform designed specifically for the unmanned systems industry. Announced in London on 3 December 2025, the system marks the first managed procurement service of its kind—one that aims to accelerate the UK’s drone adoption while opening the doors for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to compete on major, previously out-of-reach projects.

The platform arrives at a pivotal moment. Britain’s drone ecosystem continues to expand rapidly, yet SMEs often struggle to navigate the complex procurement landscape that larger players dominate. Drone Major’s latest initiative directly targets this gap by creating an integrated marketplace that connects qualified suppliers with high-value tenders across drones, robotics and autonomous systems.

This development builds on a major milestone earlier in the year, when Drone Major secured approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the country’s first beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations over Critical National Infrastructure. The company has now upgraded its supplier network to streamline procurement, offering both domestic and international buyers access to vetted partners and complete programme management.

Robert Garbett, Founder and Chief Executive of Drone Major, described the launch as transformational for the UK’s innovation economy. “The UK has the talent and technologies, many of which reside within our own SME base, but it has lacked the mechanism to bring them to the front line effectively. The launch of our new platform marks a major step forward in empowering British SMEs and startups, giving them a powerful tool to navigate and simplify complex procurement processes in the drone industry,” he said.

“It will help place the UK at the forefront of the global drone industry, while also strengthening the UK’s supply chain independence… and reducing reliance on China,” he added.

The timing is strategic. The global drone and robotics market—currently valued at £55 billion— is forecast to more than double to £121 billion by 2030, offering a significant window of opportunity for British innovators.

At the core of Drone Major’s new system is a comprehensive B2B marketplace that matches buyers and suppliers worldwide. Beyond introductions, the platform manages the entire lifecycle of a procurement project. Drone Major will assess bids, identify the most capable suppliers, oversee regulatory approvals—including leveraging its BVLOS expertise—coordinate logistics, manage compliance, supervise quality assurance, and ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

Robert Garbett emphasized the scope of capability the system brings together: “The new platform showcases the full breadth of our technical capability, enabling us to deliver virtually any solution in the Unmanned Systems domain. By opening up access to major opportunities, we’re putting the cards in the hands of the innovators. This platform will help drive a procurement revolution in the UK—cutting costs, saving time, and transforming how enterprise engages with the SME supply chain.”

The platform is now fully operational and accessible to industry stakeholders.