What Happened
Carrier Launches One-Way Drones in North Atlantic Trials
The Royal Navy has launched one-way strike drones from the flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the development of maritime strike drones. The trials, which took place in the North Atlantic, involved four Nyan Maritime drones reaching their designated strike points. Additionally, a Tekever AR5 drone completed carrier takeoffs and landings, demonstrating its potential for logistics and reconnaissance missions. The Royal Navy’s ambitions for a hybrid carrier air wing, combining uncrewed aircraft with crewed platforms, are linked to the Defence Investment Plan, which commits significant funding to autonomous systems. This development was first reported by AeroTime.