Royal Navy Conducts First Drone Tests from HMS Queen Elizabeth
Uncrewed aircraft were also part of the demonstration (Royal Navy)
“These trials give us the evidence and confidence to decide how uncrewed systems can work alongside crewed aircraft,” commented Lieutenant Commander David Burton, trials sponsor for Navy Capability. “The lessons will help us build a hybrid Navy that gives commanders greater choice and ensures our carriers remain at the cutting edge of naval warfare.”
The Royal Navy reported that the trials marked another step towards its high-tech approach to fighting in the air, from an aircraft carrier, known as the “hybrid carrier air wing.” The approach brings together crewed aircraft and drones to increase the carrier’s reach, lethality, and flexibility, while keeping personnel further away from danger.
The trials developed understanding of how uncrewed strike systems could contribute to future Carrier Strike operations and wider Defence activity. They were also part of the government's plan to modernize the Armed Forces.
Launches were conducted for the first time from the carrier's flight deck (Royal Navy)
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The Ministry of Defence highlights that the Defence Investment Plan provides over £5 billion for autonomous systems by 2030, the largest ever drone investment in defence. Among the elements are almost £250 million for Project Pantheon, which calls for developing autonomous systems to build a hybrid carrier air wing, and for trials of jet-powered drones to work alongside the F-35B force. In addition, it plans to invest at least £1.3 billion for a hybrid fleet of crewed and uncrewed ships, with the first large autonomous vessels due in service by 2030, and at least £210 million for low-cost, long-range one-way attack drones for the Navy, Army, and RAF.
The plan sets out that the Queen Elizabeth class carriers will use uncrewed systems to strengthen the F-35B force, creating a hybrid carrier air wing.
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