London, UK – 5 May 2026 – Windracers has been recognised in a UK Government announcement setting out nearly £50 million to accelerate drone adoption and unlock advanced air mobility across the UK.
Published today by the Department for Transport, the package focuses on the foundations needed to move drones into routine use. Faster approvals, clearer regulation, and new digital systems to support safe, scalable operations.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Mather, said: “We’re backing the next generation of British aviation innovators with nearly £50 million to drive drone regulation reforms and unlock barriers to growth that will create jobs, lower emissions and further the UK’s world-leading aviation reputation.
“Innovation must go hand in hand with strong security – that’s why over half of our investment will develop a new ID system to track drones in real-time, supporting emergency services and building public confidence in an industry that could be worth up to £103 billion by 2050.”
Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said: “This funding will create a numberplate system for the skies. Law enforcement will be able to identify and take action against those who break the law, taking drones out of the sky and protecting the public.”
While the funding is directed at the wider ecosystem, Windracers inclusion reflects its role as a trusted partner in shaping how autonomous aviation is deployed in the real world.
Stephen Wright, Founder and Chairman of Windracers, said: “This is a significant step forward for the UK’s drone and advanced air mobility sector. Targeted investment alongside practical regulatory reform is exactly what is needed to unlock real world operations at scale.
“At Windracers, we see first hand how autonomous aviation can strengthen supply chains, support critical services and operate reliably in some of the most challenging environments.
“We are proud to work alongside the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority as a trusted partner, helping to shape a regulatory environment that supports UK innovation while maintaining the highest standards of safety.”
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said: “This is a welcome investment in the sector by the government. To lead in advanced air mobility requires a regulatory system that can move at pace while maintaining the highest safety standards. The UK’s CAA has been a serious and constructive partner.
“This investment is a further step towards positioning the UK at the leading edge of the eVTOL sector, as it moves towards commercial operations.”
Windracers ULTRA is already delivering in complex environments, from defence operations in Ukraine to connecting remote logistics across the Scottish Highlands and Islands, demonstrating how dual-use autonomous aviation can strengthen resilient supply chains where reliability matters most.
As the UK accelerates towards routine drone operations, Windracers will continue to work with Government and regulators to ensure that ambition translates into capability at scale.
For all media enquiries, please contact:
Thomas Boorman, Windracers, tboorman@windracers.com, +44 748 085 0801
