Royal Navy Commissions Its First Autonomous Boat Squadron - Navy Lookout
- On Thursday, November 5, 2026, the Royal Navy formally commissioned the 1st Autonomous Squadron at HMNB Portsmouth, giving uncrewed surface vessels permanent operational status within the fleet.
- Military chiefs are earmarking £1.5 billion over four years to build a 'hybrid navy' in response to a changing threat environment requiring rapid innovation to protect shores and Nato allies.
- The squadron comprises around 180 sailors operating Kraken K3 Scout boats and Rattler training vessels, which reach speeds of 55 knots and perform surveillance and force protection missions.
- Operating the craft is '100% a young person's game,' using Xbox controls and PlayStation controls to pilot boats expected to deploy operationally in coming months, according to squadron personnel.
- These autonomous capabilities are intended to complement Type 26 and Type 31 frigates as the Royal Navy maintains lethality despite operating just 11 frigates and destroyers total.
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‘More reach, more striking power’: Royal Navy arms itself with boat drone squadron to counter Russian threat - London Business News
The Royal Navy has established its first squadron of unmanned boats, marking a major step towards a new “hybrid navy” as Britain seeks to strengthen its defences against growing Russian… The post ‘More reach, more striking power’: Royal Navy arms itself with boat drone squadron to counter Russian threat appeared first on London Business News
Royal Navy commissions its first autonomous boat Squadron - Navy Lookout
At a ceremony in Portsmouth on 5th November, the Royal Navy formally commissioned the 1st Autonomous Squadron (1AS), giving uncrewed surface vessels a permanent place in the fleet. 1AS has initially been equipped with Rattler and Scout USVs and is tasked with taking the craft onto operations. 1AS was commissioned in full naval tradition, including […] The post Royal Navy commissions its first autonomous boat Squadron first appeared on Navy Looko…
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