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Uncrewed Systems

All articles tagged with #uncrewed systems

Ukraine Deploys Air-Dropped Ground Robots in Operation Vivaldi
defense-and-technology3 days ago

Ukraine Deploys Air-Dropped Ground Robots in Operation Vivaldi

Ukrainian forces have integrated air-dropped ground robots into active combat operations, marking a shift toward fully uncrewed airborne assaults. During Operation Vivaldi, heavy drones delivered armed robots deep into Russian territory, bypassing traditional frontlines. Multiple units, including NC13 and the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, have developed and deployed these systems, with some prototypes reaching combat use within 10 days. This innovation reflects a broader trend in Ukraine’s defense industry to combine drones and ground robots for asymmetric warfare, reducing human risk while expanding operational reach behind enemy lines.

Royal Navy Tests Sea-Launched Nyan Drone as Pivot to Hybrid Carrier Force
defense3 months ago

Royal Navy Tests Sea-Launched Nyan Drone as Pivot to Hybrid Carrier Force

During Neptune Reach, the Royal Navy successfully launched the Nyan one-way effector drone from the experimental ship XV Patrick Blackett, a key step in Project Vantage toward a Hybrid Navy that blends crewed ships with unmanned strike drones. Built by Callen-Lenz (BAE Systems) for precision strikes, the low-cost Nyan (under £100k, ~9.5 ft wingspan, range >93 miles) has already seen extensive land testing and NATO use, with future at-sea trials and potential carrier deployments (including HMS Queen Elizabeth) as part of a broader drive toward catapult-enabled drone operations.

UK's DIP maps four autonomous platforms to power a hybrid Royal Navy and Atlantic Fleet
defense3 months ago

UK's DIP maps four autonomous platforms to power a hybrid Royal Navy and Atlantic Fleet

Britain’s Defence Investment Plan outlines four new platform types—two UUVs (Type 92 and the large Type 93 XL UUV) to bolster underwater sensing and ASW, plus Type 94 and Type 91 uncrewed platforms for sensing and missiles—to underpin a Royal Navy hybrid force and its Atlantic Fleet concept. The plan, tied to SDR goals and a £5 billion push into autonomous systems, envisions expanding Common Combat Vessels in the 2030s, expanding seabed security and air/ missile defense capabilities, and upgrading naval base infrastructure to improve readiness and deterrence in the underwater domain and beyond.

Six Hybrid CCVs to Lead Royal Navy’s Modern Air-Defense Push
defense3 months ago

Six Hybrid CCVs to Lead Royal Navy’s Modern Air-Defense Push

The UK will build at least six Common Combat Vessels (CCVs) under the Defence Investment Plan to replace the Type 45 destroyers. These hybrid crewed/uncrewed ships will serve as air-defence hubs for unmanned sensors/weapon platforms, operating with Type 26/31 frigates and future unmanned platforms. The programme includes three Atlantic programmes (Atlantic Bastion/Shield/Strike) to counter regional threats, protect critical infrastructure, and boost UK shipyards and export potential.