The Ukrainian ACS-3 (Raybird) unmanned aircraft system, developed by Skyeton (part of NAUDI), has been proposed as a replacement for the much-criticized Watchkeeper in the United Kingdom. Considering that the latter is expected to be decommissioned in 2027 after nearly £1 billion in spending, this presents a significant opportunity.
Forces News reported on the proposal and outlined the advantages of such a move: the Ukrainian UAS can reportedly remain airborne for over 28 hours, features a laser designator, and has accumulated more than 350,000 flight hours in service with Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
Read more: Ukrainian Raybird ACS-3 UAS by Skaeton Demonstrates Incredible Survivability on Battlefield
ACS-3 (Raybird) UAV / Photo credit: Skyeton
From Defense Express’s perspective, this would represent a major success for Ukraine’s defense industry — offering a competitive platform that is continuously refined through combat experience. Few manufacturers worldwide can rival such a combination of proven performance and battlefield-driven innovation.
Production would most likely take place in the United Kingdom, with plans for local assembly first announced in July 2025, when the joint venture Skyeton Prevail Solutions was established.
Watchkeeper WK450 in Afghanistan / Photo credit: British Army
The Watchkeeper WK450 itself was derived from the Israeli Hermes 450, adapted to British requirements and localized. However, after deliveries began, the program faced multiple issues, from operator shortages and training gaps to persistent technical faults, eventually driving operating costs close to those of an F-35 sortie.
As a result, the UK launched a search for a replacement under a program known as Corvus. The new requirement called for a divisional- and corps-level UAV with over 24 hours’ endurance and the ability to operate in contested airspace and under intense electronic warfare conditions.
Watchkeeper WK450 UAV / Photo credit: British Army
The ACS-3 (Raybird) meets these demands, with its relevance maintained through continuous upgrades based on lessons learned from the russo-Ukrainian war. Other advantages over the Watchkeeper include catapult launch capability, eliminating the need for a runway and improving flexibility, as well as greater survivability.
While a final decision has yet to be made, the UK’s demonstrated interest in producing Ukrainian UAVs for its own forces gives Skyeton strong prospects. A win in this tender would mark a breakthrough for Ukraine’s defense industry, opening the door to new export opportunities as arms trade restrictions continue to ease.
ACS-3 (Raybird) UAV / Photo credit: Skyeton
Read more: ACS-3 Marks 300,000 Hours in Flight: Skyeton About the Milestones of its Ambitious UAV Project