Anduril appoints Richard Drake as General Manager of Anduril UK & Europe
Image courtesy Anduril
As the General Manager of Anduril UK, Richard Drake will steer Anduril as it continues a high growth trajectory in the UK. The appointment signals Anduril’s intent to replicate its successful approach to autonomous defence capabilities in other strategic regional markets.
Drake brings with him 16 years of experience in defence systems technology and a deep understanding of the defence procurement market. In his previous role at Babcock International as Chief Executive of Mission Systems and Group Chief Technology Officer, Drake was responsible for driving innovation and technology across the Group, managing more than 1,500 staff and reporting directly to the Group CEO. He delivered significant business growth and profitability for Babcock’s Defence Systems Technology business. Drake previously held the roles of Programme Director, Business Development Director, and Engineering Director in the same business where he led engineering activities for nearly 10 years. Prior to this, Drake was the Head of Landing Gear Extension and Retraction Systems within Airbus.
Founded in 2017, Anduril now employs almost 2,200 people globally — more than 40 in the UK — and is valued at over £6.9 billion. Anduril continues to make a significant impact in Europe and was recently awarded a £17 million contract with the UK Ministry of Defence Strategic Command to employ counter intrusion and counter UAS capabilities at multiple locations across the UK Ministry of Defence estate, including a number of Permanent Joint Operating Bases (PJOBs).
Anduril Industries SVP of Global Defence said: “We’re thrilled to have Richard join our team, he is a best-in-class defence executive and an inspirational leader. His highly collaborative, technology-centered approach to business growth has been gained from over nearly two decades in the defence and security sector. We are keen for Richard to continue the great work our UK team has achieved since 2018.”
Richard Drake said: “I am delighted to be joining Anduril. This is a business with an exciting proposition, a desire to set ambitious industry benchmarks, and a clear, aspirational purpose; to reboot the arsenal of democracy. I very much look forward to working with the many capable and motivated people in the UK and Europe business to achieve concerted strategic growth, serve our customers with advanced technology and apply my passion for design and product development to Anduril.”
