Royal Navy launches strike drone at sea in landmark trials – slideshow

3 July 2026

Topic:

Equipment and TechTechnology

The Royal Navy has successfully launched a strike-capable drone from a ship at sea, marking a significant step forward in the UK’s drive to create a hybrid naval force to defend against evolving threats.

Working with British Army colleagues, sailors on experimentation ship XV Patrick Blackett launched the Nyan One Way Effector drone during recent trials off the south coast of England.

Already tested extensively during land exercises, the autonomous drone was taken to sea to explore how it could be operated from a ship.

Pre-programmed to fly to a specific target, the system was flown from a launcher installed on the ship’s deck.

The drone and launcher combination were used by the Army recently in Estonia during Exercise Spring Storm to support NATO allies in a series of real-life scenarios.

The trials are part of the tri-service Project Vantage to rapidly test and deliver Maritime One-Way Effectors as the Royal Navy continues its move to a hybrid force, using uncrewed equipment alongside traditionally-crewed warships and units.

Personnel from 26 Royal Artillery and 744 Naval Air Squadron worked alongside the ship’s company of Patrick Blackett to deliver the trials.

The team successfully launched and flew the drone while the ship was underway, setting the conditions for further experimentation and potential future deployment across the fleet.

Working closely with our Army colleagues, this activity demonstrates how we are accelerating Atlantic Strike concepts into practical, deployable capabilities of the Fleet.

Lieutenant Commander David Burton, Maritime One Way Effectors capability sponsor

The trials demonstrate progress on capabilities backed by the Defence Investment Plan, which commits over £5 billion to drone and autonomous systems – including new classes of uncrewed naval vessels designed to operate alongside crewed warships as part of a fully integrated Hybrid Navy.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said: “Britain is serious about the transition to a Hybrid Navy with new, powerful drones at the heart of the Royal Navy.

“By bringing together Army and Navy expertise to field strike drones from a ship at sea, we are accelerating the capabilities our forces need to stay ahead of our adversaries.”

Lieutenant Commander David Burton, Maritime One Way Effectors capability sponsor, added: “This trial makes a significant step forward in delivering Maritime One-Way Effectors at pace.

“Under Project Vantage we are planning to integrate these capabilities into the Hybrid Navy, combining crewed platforms with uncrewed systems to expand reach, increase tempo and enhance lethality.

“Working closely with our Army colleagues, this activity demonstrates how we are accelerating Atlantic Strike concepts into practical, deployable capabil