NATO-backed funding round powers Uplift360’s circular defence vision
Bristol-based startup Uplift360 has raised a €7.4 million funding round that includes investment from the NATO Innovation Fund, backing its mission to turn decommissioned Typhoon fighter jet parts into high-performance components for drones and other defence platforms.
The deal positions Uplift360 at the intersection of defence technology, advanced materials and the circular economy, as militaries seek to modernise fleets while cutting waste and emissions.
From scrap Typhoons to next‑gen drone parts
Founded in Bristol, the company has developed proprietary recycling and materials recovery processes to extract valuable metals, composites and alloys from retired Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. These recovered materials are then engineered into certified components for uncrewed aerial systems and other platforms.
By upcycling legacy airframes, Uplift360 aims to reduce the cost and environmental impact of sourcing new materials for defence supply chains, while helping partners dispose of ageing assets in a secure, trackable way.
Strategic capital from NATO Innovation Fund
The participation of the NATO Innovation Fund underscores the alliance’s growing focus on dual‑use technologies that blend security, sustainability and industrial resilience. The fresh capital will support scaling of Uplift360’s processing facilities, further research into advanced composites, and expansion into additional aircraft and vehicle platforms.
Defence analysts note that as European air forces retire older jets, demand is rising for safe, economically viable methods of dismantling and reusing sensitive hardware. Solutions that keep critical materials within allied ecosystems are increasingly seen as a strategic advantage.
Growing momentum for sustainable defence supply chains
The investment comes amid broader pressure on the sector to address its carbon footprint and adopt more sustainable practices without compromising readiness. By combining materials science, secure logistics and rigorous traceability, Uplift360 is positioning itself as a key partner for governments and defence primes looking to decarbonise procurement.
With NATO now on its cap table, the Bristol startup is expected to pursue collaborations across member states, potentially extending its model beyond Typhoon jets to helicopters, armoured vehicles and naval platforms as they reach end of life.