The British Army is launching its first military-backed drone degree to help soldiers counter the growing threat from near-surface warfare. Driven by lessons from Ukraine — where around 80% of casualties are caused by drones — the new course aims to ensure soldiers understand electronic warfare, autonomous systems and how to fight in a battlespace dominated by UAVs, ground sensors and loitering munitions.
Backed by £240,000 of Army funding, the accelerated Engineering Master’s degree at the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering in Hereford will teach students how to design, build, repair and test drone systems in real-world conditions — even from trenches or bunkers. Launching in September, the course reflects the UK’s latest Strategic Defence Review, which calls for stronger partnerships between the military, industry and academia to keep pace with rapid technological change.
