UK Royal Navy sets out to define UAV contribution

The UK Royal Navy (RN) has kicked off work to formulate a test and experimentation programme to help it define how unmanned air systems could contribute to future maritime operations.

In tandem, a strategy paper is currently being prepared in Navy Command Headquarters that will articulate the maritime requirement and identify where organic unmanned air assets could address current capability gaps.

Activity at this stage is primarily focused on how unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) could be operated from aircraft carriers as part of the wider Carrier Strike construct. Other studies are examining the potential operation of rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from destroyers and frigates.

Speaking to Jane's in early July, Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, Chief of Staff (Aviation and Carriers) and Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm in Navy Command Headquarters, said: "We've been asked to broaden the horizons of the carrier programme, one element of which is to look at UCAV operations, and we're already discussing with a number of companies how we go forward with that."