New degree to train 'drone warfare specialists'

A new course to train the "next generation of drone warfare specialists" is being launched in a bid to "make the army more lethal".

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE), based in Hereford, has reached an agreement with the UK Armed Forces to develop the new undergraduate degree.

The course in autonomous systems will have a strong focus on drone technologies when it welcomes its first students in September 2026.

Head of the Armed Forces Sir Richard Knighton said: "Developing skills in autonomous technologies is critical to both defence and the army."

He added: "Backed by the British Army, NMITE will train the next generation of drone warfare specialists and help make the army more lethal in an increasingly dangerous world."

The new degree will lead to a Masters in Engineering (MEng) in three years and equip graduates to drive drone innovation for civilian, commercial, and humanitarian applications, as well as for defence.

Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns said: "We are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for defence skills.

"Our Armed Forces must have the skills and experience to tackle the modern-day threats head on, including with engineers who can design, build and operate cutting-edge drone technology to defend our country."

Leading the development and delivery of the degree is Prof Alexandru Stancu who has joined NMITE as professor of mechanical engineering and academic lead.

A spokesperson for NMITE said Mr Stancu had more than 25 years of international experience in robotics, AI and autonomous systems.

At the University of Manchester he led the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Research Group and founded Manchester Robotics Ltd.

They added that he was also "an internationally recognised expert in drone and autonomous vehicle technologies".

James Newby, president and CEO of NMITE, said: "This partnership demonstrates NMITE's unique ability to move quickly to meet national skills needs.

"We are proud to be shaping this innovative new degree in Autonomous Systems, one that will not only serve defence priorities but also unlock enormous civilian and humanitarian benefits."

Hereford and South Herefordshire MP Jesse Norman, who is also co-founder and chair of NMITE, added: "This degree marks an important step forward for NMITE.

"It will create huge opportunities for our students, bring significant investment into Herefordshire, and support the county's new defence ecosystem, for the benefit of local people and businesses, and the nation as a whole."

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