The British government is splashing several million pounds on next-gen aviation projects to advance the use of unmanned aircraft for applications such as cargo delivery and infrastructure monitoring, as well as potential electric-powered light aircraft carrying passengers.

Detailed by the Department for Transport but paid out by Innovate UK , part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) body, £4.4 million ($5.9 million) is being invested under the government's Future Flight Program, aimed at building British skills in drones and unmanned aircraft systems.

The funding will go to 14 projects and will support areas such as the NHS, emergency services, and nature restoration, while Innovate UK describes eight as being for "strategic growth" to demonstrate progress towards commercialization.

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