Urban-Air Port and Axis Aerospace Forge Strategic Partnership to Revolutionise Dual-Use UAV Defence Solutions
London, UK – 27th May 2025 – Urban-Air Port (UAP), a global pioneer in advanced VTOL & UAV launch and logistics infrastructure, has entered a strategic partnership with Axis Aerospace, a leading UK-based innovator in bespoke UAV design, development, and operations. This collaboration is set to redefine global defence capabilities, delivering cutting-edge, dual-use solutions for defence stakeholders & investors seeking transformative, high-return opportunities in future force development.
This marks UAP’s second UAV partnership in 2025, expanding its portfolio of interoperable UAV technologies integrated with its state-of-the-art rapid launch systems.
The partnership focuses on the UAP DBx-A1 and DBx-MP1, next-generation UAV logistics and launch platforms designed for secure, software-defined, and networked deployment of mission-critical drones in contested environments. These systems, compatible with reusable and one-way strike UAVs, support small-unit tactics and theatre-wide strategic missions, offering unparalleled operational flexibility.
The UAP-Axis partnership positions both companies at the forefront of the rapidly growing defence UAV market, projected to reach $24.2 billion by 2030 (MarketsandMarkets). The DBx suite’s dual-use potential—spanning defence and civilian applications—offers investors & stakeholders a scalable, high-margin opportunity with cross-sector applicability.
“Mass UAV deployment in high-threat environments demands robust, scalable solutions. UAP’s DBx suite delivers secure, rapid, and repeatable launch capabilities, minimising risk to war fighters while maximising mission success. Partnering with UAP, we’re able to integrate bespoke UAVs to create a transformative capability that enhances operational tempo and battlefield dominance.”
Strategic Impact for Defence Stakeholders
UAP’s DBx-A1 will be revealed at DSEi London September 9-12th 2025
The UAP DBx-A1, compatible with all standard Palletised Load Systems, and the DBx-MP1 streamline logistics, enabling rapid force generation and deployment. Key benefits for defence customers include:
Rapid Force Deployment: Deploy multiple Axis-designed and other UAVs from a single, transportable DBx platform, reducing setup time and operational costs.
Enhanced Situational Awareness: Real-time ISR capabilities improve battlefield coordination and decision-making.
Streamlined Logistics: Optimised resupply chains enhance mission sustainability.
Increased Survivability: Reduced operational footprint ensures greater stealth and resilience.
Dual-Use Scalability: Applications in defence and civilian sectors, such as disaster response and infrastructure monitoring, maximise ROI for investors.
The DBx-A1 and DBx-MP1 will be unveiled at DSEi UK 2025 in London this September, offering defence stakeholders and investors a first look at this game-changing technology.
Proven Leadership and Expertise
Angus Benson-Blair brings unparalleled expertise to this partnership. A former officer with 18 years in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, he founded BB Stratus in 2013, pioneering aerial cinematography. As one of the UK’s first 200 commercial drone operators and the first to secure an Operational Safety Case from the UK CAA, Benson-Blair’s leadership ensures Axis Aerospace delivers battle-ready UAV solutions tailored to UAP’s DBx systems.
Axis custom designed and built UAV
“Angus’s deep operational experience and pioneering work in the UK drone industry have been instrumental in shaping our DBx technology. This partnership with Axis Aerospace leverages their custom UAV expertise to deliver mission-optimised solutions, offering defence customers and stakeholders a robust, future-proof platform.”
A Vision for Battlefield Dominance
Axis custom designed and built UAV
“Our DBx suite is battle-tested, informed by decades of collective experience across global theatres. By integrating Axis’s cutting-edge UAVs, we’re delivering a holistic, cost-effective solution that empowers forces to dominate evolving battlespaces with precision, speed, and scalability. This partnership unlocks significant value for defence customers and investors alike.”
“UAP’s DBx systems demonstrate a clear understanding of operational challenges, offering a forward-thinking approach to UAS integration. Their dual-use potential delivers strategic value to defence and civilian markets, making them a compelling investment for stakeholders seeking innovative, high-impact solutions.”
Why This is Important?
Market Leadership: UAP and Axis are positioned to capture significant market share in the expanding defence and dual-use UAV sectors.
Scalable Technology: The DBx suite’s compatibility with diverse UAVs and civilian applications ensures broad market applicability.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlined logistics and rapid deployment reduce costs and enhance mission success rates.
Proven Expertise: Backed by industry pioneers and military veterans, ensuring reliability and innovation.
Global Reach: Tailored solutions for armed forces worldwide, with immediate relevance to NATO and allied defence strategies.
This memorandum of understanding marks a pivotal step in transforming UAV deployment, offering investors and defence customers a unique opportunity to support a high-growth, high-impact partnership.
For more information, contact Urban-Air Port at invest@urbanairport.com or visit us at DSEi UK 2025 Sep 9-12th in Excel, London.
About Urban-Air Port®
Aviation & Defence Technology | World’s most advanced, patented infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility.
Urban-Air Port is a cutting-edge aerospace, robotics, and air mobility platform driving 21st-century defence and aerospace innovation. Harnessing decades of expertise in drones, aviation, and infrastructure, it delivers unrivalled solutions for global defence and aerospace markets.
Its defence-focused DBx-A1, launching in 2025, offers covert, portable, and automated infrastructure to support tactical frontline operations. Designed to counter aerial surveillance and strikes, it enables small units to execute complex missions with enhanced tempo and resilience.
An award-winning leader in infrastructure, Urban-Air Port develops compact landing and charging systems for sustainable air transport, including passenger and cargo VTOL air taxis and autonomous drones for civilian and defence use. Its mission is to electrify aviation by overcoming ground infrastructure limitations, creating a zero-emission ecosystem that slashes congestion and pollution in passenger, cargo, and defence transport.
Recognised as a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility, Urban-Air Port’s patented vertiport technology delivers ultra-compact, high-capacity infrastructure, transforming cities into connected, cleaner hubs for a green economic future. Its solutions are optimised for electric and hybrid VTOL aircraft, ensuring safer, quieter, and more sustainable operations compared to competitors.
The “Vertical Airfield” technology compacts conventional airfields, enabling safe electric vertical take-off and landing at height, akin to an aircraft carrier. Urban-Air Port’s vertiports are 80% smaller than alternatives, featuring modular designs for scalable expansion, maximised eVTOL throughput, and integrated energy storage for superior performance and passenger experience.
The Air-One project in Coventry, launched in April 2022 with UK Government Research and Innovation funding, marked the world’s first fully operational vertiport in a dense urban setting. It hosted over 15,000 visitors and 150 successful flights within Coventry’s complex urban airspace and airport restriction zone.
Backed by global partners like Supernal (Hyundai Motor Group) and Directors of M7 Real Estate (Oxford Properties), Urban-Air Port’s team of aeronautical engineers and aerospace experts brings experience from Airbus, Foster + Partners, Arup, BAA, McKinsey, Hyundai Motor Group, Vertical Aerospace, EASA, NATS, Qatar Airways, and elite military units like US Special Forces and the British Army.
Visit www.urbanairport.com for more information and follow us on LinkedIn.
Investors: invest@urbanairport.com
Media: press@urbanairport.com
About Axis Aerospace
Axis Aerospace, founded by Angus Benson-Blair, is a niche UK company rooted in Angus’ pioneering work in the drone industry.
With a focus on custom drone solutions and heavy-lift capabilities, it has served diverse industrial applications. Its contributions to drone technology and Benson-Blair’s ongoing influence in the sector remain significant.
Axis Aerospace focuses on; Custom Drone Design and Development; Industrial Applications, Heavy-Lift Drone Expertise, Military Drones, TV Prop Drones, Consultancy and Freelance Services.
Visit www.axisaerospace.co.uk for more information
