The Best in High Tech Drone Technology and Data Intelligence.

Cambridge, United Kingdom, 27 November 2025 - StirlingX, the UK-based drone operations and data intelligence company, has closed its extended Seed round at a total of $11 million. The SAFE investment, which builds on the initial seed funding secured over the summer, was led by the RCM Private Markets Fund managed by Rokos Capital Management, with participation from new and existing global investors including GALLOS Technologies, ONE9, and a distinguished group of angel investors.

This milestone places StirlingX among the top 5% of European technology start-ups by total seed capital raised and reinforces the company’s trajectory as a leader in secure drone and data systems for allied nations and critical national infrastructure.

The extended funding will accelerate ongoing product development, support international market growth, and expand recruitment across engineering, AI, and data science. It also enables StirlingX to scale its manufacturing and R&D operations at its Cambridge and Oxford sites to meet growing government and commercial demand.

StirlingX is actively delivering on live critical national infrastructure projects, supporting clients such as Murphy and National Grid across pre-construction planning, construction-phase operations, surveying, and compliance.

Dean Jones, CEO of StirlingX, said:

“Completing our seed round marks another significant step in StirlingX’s growth. The confidence shown by our investors allows us to push further and faster in delivering sovereign, secure technology to partners across critical infrastructure and defence. With strong momentum behind us, we are well positioned to scale and deepen our impact across the markets we serve.”

Sir Jeremy Fleming, Chairman of StirlingX, commented:

“This is another clear signal of StirlingX’s ambition and progress. With world-class technology and a rapidly growing customer base, the company is demonstrating the essential role British innovation can play in securing and enhancing allied capability across critical national infrastructure and defence sectors.”

London, UK [13/01/2026] — Second Front Systems (2F), a leader in accelerating the adoption of commercial technology for defence, today announced its partnership with StirlingX, the UK-based drone operations and data intelligence company. Together, the organisations will enable the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the national security community, and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) operators to rapidly adopt sovereign, high-assurance drone capabilities through a secure software deployment pathway.

The partnership provides StirlingX with a significantly accelerated and compliant route into sensitive government and enterprise environments. By leveraging 2F Game Warden, StirlingX can deliver its mission-critical drone software directly into restricted and high-security ecosystems - without the lengthy accreditation cycles traditionally required. This ensures operators receive secure, sovereign capabilities at the speed operational conditions demand.

“This partnership is a step-change for how trusted drone technology is delivered into the UK defence ecosystem,”

said Dean Jones, CEO of StirlingX.

“By integrating our sovereign drone and data intelligence software into Second Front Systems’ secure deployment pathway, we’re removing one of the biggest barriers to adoption in high-assurance environments. It means MOD, national security partners, and Critical National Infrastructure operators can access advanced, mission-ready capabilities faster - strengthening UK resilience, protecting sensitive operations, and ensuring critical technology remains under national control.”

The partnership will integrate StirlingX’s flight-control, data-processing, and operational-management software into Game Warden's secure landing-zone environment. This provides a unified solution suitable for highly sensitive operational contexts including MOD programmes, national security use cases, and CNI operations. The integration ensures that StirlingX’s software is protected from cyber threats, updated seamlessly, and deployed in full compliance with stringent UK security requirements - a critical need at a time when recent cyber incidents have disrupted operations across major UK manufacturers.

“Accelerating the delivery of trusted technology to mission users is exactly what Game Warden is built for,”

said Enrique Oti, CSO at Second Front Systems.

“StirlingX is developing some of the most capable, mission-flexible autonomous aerial systems in the UK to generate critical mission data. This partnership ensures their sovereign capabilities can be quickly and efficiently deployed into secure environments – whether supporting MOD missions, safeguarding critical national infrastructure, or enabling high-assurance operations for organisations with elevated security needs.”

Second Front Systems and StirlingX will begin coordinated go-to-market activity immediately, with early deployments expected to commence later this year.

About Second Front Systems

Second Front Systems Limited (2F) is the UK arm of Second Front Systems, a defence technology company founded to accelerate the secure delivery of software to allied nations worldwide. 2F provides proven, integrated solutions that enable the rapid deployment of mission-critical commercial software—from mission planning and training systems to cybersecurity tools, productivity software, and secure large-language models.

Assured by the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO, 2F strengthens digital sovereignty and allied interoperability by reducing the need for reapproval, compliance review, or technical rework, ensuring secure software reaches the mission faster. Learn more at secondfront.co.uk.

About StirlingX

StirlingX is a UK technology company specialising in advanced drone operations and data intelligence for complex and high-security environments, including Critical National Infrastructure and defence.

By integrating automated drone platforms, resilient communications, and AI-driven analytics, StirlingX turns aerial and sensor data into actionable intelligence; accelerating decision-making, improving efficiency, and reducing operational risk.

StirlingX, the UK-based drone and data intelligence company, has appointed Sir Jeremy Fleming KCMG CB, former Director of UK intelligence, cyber and security agency GCHQ, as its Chairman. Sir Jeremy’s appointment marks a significant milestone in StirlingX’s mission to deliver secure, advanced drone and data analytics technologies for defence, critical infrastructure, and commercial applications. Through his leadership in national security and cyber strategy, he will guide the company as it scales secure, UK-manufactured technology for domestic and allied markets.

The appointment comes at a time when the role of drones and autonomous systems is being transformed in defence and security for both nations and corporates. The ability to deploy AI-powered coordinated drones cost-effectively, and gather and process the data from them, is critical to advantage on the battlefield, and central to security and efficiency for civilian operations.

Founded by veterans of UK specialist military units and intelligence agencies, StirlingX designs and manufactures its drones, autonomous systems and data analytics technologies in Britain, ensuring security, resilience, and independence from adversary-sourced components. Its technologies are engineered to operate in the most demanding environments, where trust, reliability, and performance are mission critical.

The use cases for StirlingX’s technology include:

Defence

StirlingX is advancing technologies in the field of autonomous robotics and data analytics that help the military see, understand, and act faster on the battlefield. Their systems use these capabilities to collect information, detect threats, and counter hostile drones. In practice, this means building tools that improve how armed forces gather intelligence, defend against electronic threats, and stay a step ahead in complex environments. The StirlingX technologies enable:

• Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)
• Electromagnetic Warfare (EW)
• Counter-UAS

StirlingX, which is actively engaged in tendering with the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), is focused on supporting the UK’s 5-EYES partners while engaging with NATO and democratic allies worldwide. Its systems, validated in contested and complex environments, are designed to meet the evolving demands of modern defence operations.

Dual-Use in Critical National Infrastructure (CNI)

Alongside its defence work, StirlingX applies the same resilience and innovation to critical national infrastructure (CNI) and commercial markets. From surveying offshore wind farms to monitoring transport corridors and securing energy assets, StirlingX provides organisations with end-to-end intelligence solutions that reduce cost, complexity, and risk.

Sir Jeremy Fleming, Chairman of StirlingX, said:

‍“Drones deployed autonomously and at scale are going to change all our lives. They’ll help keep us safe, give us real-time intelligence pictures, and transform the battlefield. StirlingX is at the forefront of that revolution, providing sovereign capability that delivers vital real-time data, powered by AI to identify emerging threats and generate critical advantages over adversaries. I look forward to working with the excellent StirlingX team to further accelerate their impressive progress and prospects.”

Dean Jones, CEO of StirlingX, said:

‍“Having Sir Jeremy as our Chairman underlines the importance of what we are building. StirlingX was founded on the principles of precision, trust, and resilience learned in the UK’s most demanding operational environments. Today, those same principles drive our mission to provide secure intelligence solutions for our defence partners and critical infrastructure operators.”

From commanding 100-ton tanks in the desert to piloting helicopters over the North Sea, Rowley Cory-Wright brings a wealth of high-stakes operational experience to StirlingX. As our Head of Flight Operations, Rowley is responsible for bridging the gap between cutting-edge drone technology and the practical, safe execution of complex data-gathering missions.

We sat down with Rowley to discuss his journey from the Royal Dragoon Guards to the cockpit, and how his "planning-first" philosophy is shaping the future of drone swarms and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.

From Heavy Cavalry to High-Altitude Surveillance

Q: Your career started in a very different kind of vehicle - the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank. What was that experience like?

Rowley: I was commissioned into the Royal Dragoon Guards as a troop leader, commanding three Challenger 2 tanks. It was an incredible learning curve. By the time we were operating in Basra, those tanks weighed nearly 100 tonnes. My role involved managing a four-person crew - driver, gunner, loader, and radio operator - while coordinating with a troop sergeant and corporal.

Q: You also spent time in Land Rovers doing "force protection." How did that prepare you for logistics and operations?

Rowley: That was during Operation TELIC. We were responsible for protecting convoys carrying essential supplies like food and water from the Kuwaiti border. It taught me everything about identifying "vulnerable points" - places like road junctions where things slow down and risks increase. It was all about keeping the move fluid and safe, which is exactly what we do in flight ops today.

Q: What prompted the move from tanks to the cockpit?

Rowley: I simply wanted to fly! After training, I joined the Army Air Corps, eventually becoming the second in command of a manned airborne surveillance Rotary Wing Squadron in Northern Ireland. I supported counter-terrorism operations nationwide, flying in very demanding environments.

The Transition to Civilian Aviation and Drones

Q: You have over 3,000 flying hours. How did that lead you to the drone industry?

Rowley: After the military, I flew transport helicopters (specifically the AW139) to gas rigs out of Norwich. While I loved flying, civilian transport can be repetitive - you’re often just flying from A to B. I wanted something more tech-focused and fast-paced.

I joined Hexcam in 2016, took over operations in 2017, and eventually ran the company until we merged with StirlingX in 2025. Drones allow me to stay in the aviation world while solving brand-new problems every day.

Operations at StirlingX

Q: What does "Operations" actually look like at StirlingX on a day-to-day basis?

Rowley: It’s about getting out there and gathering data on Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) assets effectively and safely. We might be on a wind farm one day and in the middle of London or Sheffield the next. Great operations are often invisible to the customer - if we’ve flown safely and efficiently without them even knowing we were there, we’ve done our job.

Q: What is the biggest operational challenge you are tackling this year?

Rowley: BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight). The regulations are finally at a point where we can trial these operations safely. We are using our work in Norfolk as a "cookie-cutter" model to scale these lessons to sites in Wales, Scotland, and beyond.

Q: What’s your philosophy when it comes to scaling operations?

Rowley: Safety comes first - always.

You need the right supervision, the right people and the right processes before you scale. Efficiency matters, but never at the expense of safety. The aim is to build systems that allow scale without increasing risk.

Q: What is your "dream" setup for the future of flight ops?

Rowley: A 1-to-many swarm formation. In this model, an aircraft captain in a control room monitors the mission while a co-pilot and ground handler manage multiple drones on-site. Instead of one drone flying a corridor five times, a swarm flies it once. This massively increases flight efficiency and reduces what I call "link time" - the downtime spent moving people and setting up equipment.

Q: What is the most important lesson you’ve carried over from your military career?

Rowley: Planning. I learned the hard way that not enough planning leads to inefficiency. In the drone world, you can spend 20 minutes flying but two hours setting up and moving. My goal is to minimize that "link time" through meticulous prep.

Q: What do you look for when building a high-performing team?

Rowley: I look for people who can think outside the box and bring enthusiasm, but I want a measured approach. I don’t want "gung-ho" operators; I want people who think deeply before throwing a drone into the air.

Quick Hits with Rowley

• Lives: Norwich.
• Family: Married with two kids.
• Volunteer Work: Instructor for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

In many organisations, compliance is treated as a necessary burden. At StirlingX, we view it as a launchpad for performance, resilience, and trust.

Regulatory alignment isn’t a box ticking exercise; it is a strategic capability that differentiates how we plan, operate, and deliver outcomes for our customers, particularly across Critical National Infrastructure.

A clear example are our BVLOS VM permissions, which enable us to operate further, faster, and safer. These approvals compress inspection windows from weeks to hours, accelerating decision cycles while enhancing safety margins. That is more than operational efficiency; it is measurable value creation for clients who need reliable, timely insights without compromising safety.

Our approach goes beyond permissions. We engage proactively with the CAA, our participation in the BVLOS Sandbox is a tangible illustration, so that our operational models are shaped by, and aligned with, the latest regulatory thinking. This is reinforced by ISO aligned management systems (9001 for quality, 14001 for environmental management, and 45001 for occupational health and safety), giving customers confidence that we deliver consistently, responsibly, and at pace. Together, these elements allow us to operate where others cannot and to do so with a level of assurance that stands up to scrutiny.

By embedding compliance into our operating DNA, we:

• Secure faster approvals for complex and novel operations through robust safety cases and audit ready documentation.
• Reduce risk for clients and stakeholders by designing safety, environmental stewardship, and worker protection into every workflow.
• Unlock access to high value, regulated markets where credibility, reliability, and repeatability are non-negotiable.
• Build trust through transparency, evidence based reporting, and continuous improvement.

Regulation is not a necessary burden; it is enabling us to lead. At StirlingX, we see disciplined compliance as the engine of innovation, speed, and client assurance.

If you’d like to explore how this approach can support your infrastructure operations, we’re always happy to talk. Contact us today.

These internationally recognised standards reflect our commitment to excellence across every aspect of our operations, from customer satisfaction and environmental stewardship to the health and safety of our teams.

Our decision to pursue ISO certification was driven by a desire to formalise the high standards we already uphold and to benchmark ourselves against the best in the industry. As one of the few drone operators in the UK to hold all three certifications, we are setting a new precedent for professionalism and accountability in the uncrewed aviation sector.

The journey to certification was rigorous. It required the development and implementation of a comprehensive Management System, covering all locations, staff, services, and internal processes. We adopted a lifecycle perspective to understand our environmental impacts, enhanced our emergency preparedness, and strengthened contractor oversight. Internal and external audits, led by qualified auditors and a UKAS-accredited Certification Body validated our compliance and continual improvement efforts.

ISO certification helps us consistently meet customer expectations, reduce operational risks, and improve performance across the board. It also reinforces our reputation as a trusted partner in complex and sensitive environments, including in higher risk, urban thermal mapping and cable corridor surveys.

In just 18 months, StirlingX has achieved remarkable milestones. We acquired a professional drone services company, expanding our capabilities and expertise. We established two new operational sites, Pathfinder in Buckinghamshire and Watchtower in Cambridgeshire, to support growing demand. And now, with triple ISO certification, we’ve laid a robust foundation for sustainable growth and innovation.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to pushing boundaries, embracing technology, and delivering safe, reliable, and unobtrusive aerial imaging and data collection. StirlingX is not just keeping pace, we’re leading the way.

“Achieving ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certification is a landmark moment for StirlingX. It reflects the discipline, care and innovation that underpin everything we do, from how we manage risk and deliver quality, to how we protect our people and the planet. These certifications aren’t just badges; they’re proof that our systems, our culture and our commitment to excellence are built to last. I’m incredibly proud of the team and what we’ve accomplished together.”

Dean Jones CEO, Stirling

The Problem

The project required clear, high-quality progress imagery for both internal and external communications, taken from multiple angles, while working within a confined city-centre site next to a busy quayside.

The Solution

• Conducted regular aerial surveys using DJI Inspire 2 with X5S camera in dual-operator mode for cinematic 4K footage.
• Captured high-resolution stills and video from multiple perspectives to illustrate progress
• Used DJI Phantom 4 Pro for interior shots in GPS-limited areas such as the car stacker system.
• Coordinated permissions and RAMS with ABP Port of Ipswich to ensure safe, compliant operations.

Outcomes

• Provided RG Carter with professional aerial visuals for progress reporting and stakeholder communications.
• Delivered content for internal updates and a final project video case study.
• Completed all work without disruption to site operations or local surroundings.

The Problem

Gordon Ramsay’s ‘The Narrow’ restaurant sits adjacent to the River Thames and beneath tall neighbouring apartments, making roof access challenging and risky. Surveyors needed a way to safely inspect roof conditions and plan scaffolding or MEWP access without repeated physical visits.

The Solution

• Combined aerial drone imagery with ground laser scan (TLS) data to create a highly accurate 3D Digital Twin.
• Used the Twinspect platform to allow surveyors to navigate the model, annotate points of interest, and link directly to original high-resolution images.
• Coordinated closely with residents and maintained visual observation for safe drone operation in a constrained environment.
• Enabled distance and area measurements for planning and quantity take-offs.

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Outcomes

• Surveyors could carry out detailed desktop inspections safely and efficiently.
• Annotations were geo-referenced,eliminating duplicate reporting errors.
• Facilitated focused physical access and preparation for refurbishment works.
• Generated PDF condition reports and shared digital models with multiple teams while maintaining controlled access.

The Problem

Capturing the full intertidal zone requires surveys during spring tides, within a tight 2-hour window around low tide. Traditional ground surveys struggle to cover 3km in this timeframe, leading to inconsistent data. Drones solve this, but range limitations mean enhanced permissions and careful planning are essential.

The Solution

StirlingX combines advanced CAA permissions, innovative planning, and the latest drone tech to deliver accurate, secure data capture under strict time constraints. Dual-pilot workflows and rapid mobilisation allow us to exploit short capture windows, even at dawn or dusk. We partner with PDC Engineering for independent Ground Control Points (GCPs) and use temporary, eco-friendly markers to protect the environment. Our Operational Authorisations enable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) with visual mitigation, flying DJI M300 drones up to 9 km from the Remote Pilot—boosting efficiency for large and linear sites.

Outcomes

Using the DJI M300 with a P1sensor, we deliver 1.5 cm GSD imagery to Cefas reliably within tidal windows. Initialcrews of three have already reduced to two without compromising safety orquality—thanks to our extended flight permissions and optimised processes.

The Problem

The Happisburgh coastline is highly dynamic, with beach levels and cliff profiles changing rapidly. Capturing accurate data within the short tidal window around low spring tide made traditional ground surveys impractical. Vattenfall required a fast, precise, and safe solution for repeated surveys across a wide intertidal area.

The Solution

StirlingX used RTK-equipped drones and temporary Ground Control Points to capture high-resolution imagery for photogrammetric processing. Initially flying with a DJI Phantom 4 RTK, we later transitioned to the DJI M300 RTK with a P1full-frame sensor. Our ‘hand-over, take-over’ dual-pilot method and the M300’sextended endurance enabled efficient coverage, while hot-swapping batteries eliminated downtime and minimised site movement. Continuous innovation reduced survey time from 2 hours 30 minutes to just 30 minutes per session - without compromising accuracy or safety.

Outcomes

• Four quarterly surveys delivered across 12 months
• Accurate 3D point clouds andterrain data for erosion analysis
• Survey time reduced by 80% through technology and processimprovements
• Minimal public disruption andenhanced operational safety

Result: Faster, safer, and more accuratecoastal monitoring to support critical infrastructure planning.

The Problem

Monitoringprogress across a 60 km site is complex and time-consuming. Ground-levelsurveys face access challenges and can’t provide the full picture. JMS neededan efficient, non-intrusive solution to track fast-moving work fronts andidentify potential issues early.

The Solution

Buildingon our early works LiDAR and fly-through surveys, StirlingX delivers monthlyaerial mapping using DJI M300 RTK drones with P1 full-frame cameras for 1.5 cmGSD imagery. Our CAA-approved Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) permissionsand optimised flight planning allow efficient coverage with minimal disruption.

Imageryis processed in DroneDeploy tocreate interactive 2D maps, layered with project drawings, and 3D models forvolumetric analysis and progress tracking. Teams can annotate points ofinterest, share updates, and plan efficiently—improving collaboration andlandowner engagement.

Outcomes

• 20 km section mapped in under a day(with expansion planned to full 60 km)
• High-resolution geolocated imagery and 3D models for real-time project insight
• Faster progress monitoring, reduced site access challenges, and improved decision-making

Result: Accurate, collaborative, and up-to-date visual intelligence that keeps large-scale construction projects moving smoothly.

The Problem

DHN leaks are difficult to detect—especially small, hidden faults under private or inaccessible land. Losses cost Enviroenergy an estimated £150,000 in 2018, with undetected leaks wasting up to 12 m³ of water per day. Traditional ground-based thermal surveys couldn’t provide full coverage quickly or safely.

The Solution

StirlingX combined advanced mission planning, thermal drone technology, and specialist analysis to deliver accurate, actionable data. Using automated flight routes(linear + grid patterns) and multiple Take-Off and Landing Sites across Nottingham, we captured 290 ha of thermal data over two nights. The imagery wasprocessed into a thermal orthomap with geo-located anomaly reporting, accessible via Drone Systems’ Teraplan platform. This allowed Enviroenergy to identify and categorise leaks to within 20–30 cm accuracy—prioritising repairs and improving network efficiency.

Outcomes

• Full citywide thermal survey completed in 48 hours
• Geo-located anomaly detection for faster, targeted maintenance
• Significant potential cost savings and reduced heat loss across the network

Result: Safer, smarter fault detection and improved system performance without disruptive or costly ground inspections

The Problem

Previous photogrammetry surveys offered surface-level detail but couldn’t penetrate vegetation or crop cover, producing only a Digital Surface Model (DSM). J Murphy & Sons needed a precise Digital Terrain Model (DTM) to inform access, drainage, and pre-construction planning across the entire 60 km corridor.

The Solution

StirlingX deployed DJI M300 RTK drones with L1 LiDAR sensors to capture high-density data, supported by surveyed Ground Control Points for ±100 mm vertical accuracy. Our CAA-approved Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) permissions enabled efficient long-distance flights, while strategic Take-Off and Landing Sites ensured safe operations with minimal disruption. Data was processed into tiled deliverables for easy handling and staged release, providing 2D orthomosaics andLiDAR point clouds with 50 PPM density. We worked closely with JMS and landowners to maintain full compliance and communication throughout.

Outcomes

• 60 km corridor surveyed in under 6 days
• High-accuracy LiDAR DTM and orthomosaic mapping delivered
• Enabled informed planning foraccess, drainage, and mobilisation works

Result: Fast, accurate terrainintelligence supporting one of the UK’s largest offshore wind infrastructureprojects.

The Problem

The plants had expansive, fragile roofs with no safe access. Scaffolding or MEWPs were impractical and costly. Thousands of isolated images would offer little value—our client needed accurate, navigable, and contextualised data for desktop inspections.

The Solution

UsingDJI M300 drones with P1 sensors, we achieved full coverage from multiple anglesfor all roof areas, creating a perfect dataset for 3D modelling. Our enhancedCAA permissions allowed flights as close as 10m to uninvolved people andseamless control handovers between pilots—minimising disruption.

We processed the imagery into Twinsity’s Twinspect platform, giving surveyors intuitive 3Ddigital twins with linked high-resolution images. Clicking any point in the model reveals precise source images, maintaining situational awareness.

Outcomes

Hamson Barron Smith now conducts comprehensive rooftop surveys remotely, eliminating working-at-height risks. Defects can be annotated directly in the 3D model, streamlining reporting and enabling precise planning for future access or remedial works.