On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the Israeli company Elbit Systems announced that its British subsidiary, Elbit Systems UK, had completed the full acquisition of the joint venture U-TacS (UAV Tactical Systems Ltd.) from Thales UK, following receipt of all required regulatory and government approvals.
Photo: Elbit Systems
Over nearly 20 years, U-TacS has delivered dozens of advanced Watchkeeper WK450 Mk1 tactical unmanned aerial systems to the British Army, as well as the Watchkeeper X to international customers, including the UN and NATO member states.
Full ownership will enable Elbit Systems UK to further develop U-TacS as a leading and innovative UK and regional center for the design, development, and support of advanced unmanned systems, leveraging Elbit Systems’ global expertise and technological leadership in the UAS domain – a rapidly growing segment worldwide.
The company will focus on meeting the needs of European and NATO customers, continuing existing programs while retaining a highly skilled UK workforce and engineering excellence, strengthening the UK defense industrial base and supporting customers in the United Kingdom, NATO, and Europe.
Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Elbit Systems, said:
“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.”
Elbit Systems has completed the full acquisition of UAV Tactical Systems (UTACS), strengthening its long‑term commitment to the UK and expanding its industrial footprint in Europe.
The acquisition reinforces the UK’s role as a hub for advanced uncrewed aerial systems, while… pic.twitter.com/5JdhsYfqgu
— Elbit Systems (@ElbitSystemsLtd) January 22, 2026