First ever autonomous Royal Navy squadron launches as part of investment in hybrid operations

9 November 2026

Topic:

Fighting armsSurface Fleet

The Royal Navy’s first ever autonomous squadron that will operate uncrewed boats on front-line operations has been launched – as investment into the hybrid navy continues

The 1^st Autonomous Squadron was formally commissioned in a ceremony on November 5 in His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth, in front of more than 200 navy personnel, dignitaries, media, families and friends.

The event included a demonstration of the uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) the squadron will operate, including the Kraken and Rattler vessels, which were manoeuvred around Portsmouth Harbour from a control hub.

The milestone moment shows the Royal Navy’s commitment to continuing to move towards a hybrid navy where traditional warships and units will integrate with uncrewed and autonomous technology. The hybrid navy is backed by £1.5bn investment over four years.

The launch of the squadron comes ahead of a major allied gathering of military and political leaders in Oslo, Norway, this week focused on the collective security of Northern Europe. The Atlantic Future Forum and the International Sea Power Conference will feature discussions on the future of Euro-Atlantic security, including the rapid development of technology.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting MP said: “The threat environment we are facing is fundamentally different from that of recent decades. A major determinant of military power now is who can innovate fastest.

“That’s why we are using the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War to put the latest autonomous technology in the hands of our sailors, to help them protect our shores and those of our NATO Allies.

“The more ready we are to fight and win, the less likely we are to have to. This investment strengthens our warfighting readiness and therefore our deterrence.”

Royal Navy Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Steve Moorhouse, speaking at the launch of the autonomous squadron, said: “The Royal Navy is doing something it has never done before. We are commissioning the first autonomous squadron in our history.

“That makes this a genuinely historic occasion. For generations, the Fleet has been built around ships, submarines, and aircraft, manned by sailors and Royal Marines. From today, an autonomous squadron takes its place alongside them.

“The seas are becoming more contested, more dangerous and harder to operate in.

“A hybrid navy is about giving our people better tools. It means more reach, more striking power and more options.

“It will help make the Fleet more lethal, harder to knock out of the fight and quicker to adapt. People will remain at the heart of it, as exemplified by all of you here today.”

For generations, the Fleet has been built around ships, submarines, and aircraft, manned by sailors and Royal Marines. From today, an autonomous squadron takes its place alongside them.

Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse