Certo Aerospace raises £5M Series A for heavy-lift VTOL drone | VeilStrat

Certo Aerospace Closes £5M Series A

Certo Aerospace, a British aerospace SME based in Frome, Somerset, has raised £5 million in Series A funding. The round type is Series A, and the funding date is October 2, 2026. No lead investor or additional investors were disclosed.

What Certo Aerospace Does

Certo Aerospace is developing CAPSTONE, a 600kg-class coaxial vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed air system designed for heavy-lift logistics, casualty evacuation, disaster relief, maritime, and defence missions. The autonomous aircraft has flown since 2023 and has completed three years of flight trials under UK Civil Aviation Authority operational authorisation.

Strategic Partnerships and Programmes

Certo works with BAE Systems through FalconWorks on military integration, including a down-selected proposal for the British Army's Project NYX programme. This collaboration underscores the company's role in advancing uncrewed aerial systems for defence applications.

Funding Details

Round type: Series A
Amount raised: £5 million
Currency: GBP
Lead investor: Not disclosed
Additional investors: None disclosed
Funding date: October 2, 2026

Why It Matters

The Series A funding provides Certo Aerospace with capital to further develop and scale its CAPSTONE platform. With three years of flight trials and operational authorisation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the company has demonstrated technical maturity in the heavy-lift VTOL segment. Its work with BAE Systems and down-selection for Project NYX highlights its potential in defence and logistics markets.

Acquisition Angle

For acquirers in aerospace, defence, or logistics technology, Certo Aerospace offers a differentiated heavy-lift VTOL capability with proven flight heritage and regulatory approvals. The company's involvement in Project NYX and partnership with BAE Systems could make it an attractive target for larger defence contractors or logistics firms seeking to add autonomous aerial resupply and casualty evacuation capabilities. The £5 million Series A provides growth capital to advance these efforts.

Outlook

Certo Aerospace is positioned at the intersection of advanced air mobility and defence. As it continues to mature CAPSTONE and deepen its work with BAE Systems, the company may attract strategic interest from players looking to secure next-generation uncrewed air systems.