Royal Navy Preparing to Test New Autonomous Helicopter Drones for Submarine Detection

The Royal Navy is set to initiate trials for its innovative Proteus robot helicopters next year, following a substantial £60 million agreement with the defense company Leonardo. These autonomous drones, which weigh approximately three tonnes, are intended to carry out several intricate tasks aimed at detecting and neutralizing enemy submarine threats. A distinctive feature of these drones is a "modular mission bay," which allows for the easy exchange of different payloads in place of a traditional cabin.

Among these payloads is the capability to deploy "sonobuoys" that can monitor underwater engine and propeller noises, thereby guiding the drones toward enemy submarines. According to Leonardo, this versatility in switching between specific payloads caters to a variety of mission requirements, providing military commanders with a broader array of operational choices without the necessity of maintaining a diverse fleet of aircraft. The company recently unveiled a demonstrator version of the drone, with the first flight test anticipated in mid-2025.

This recent development follows a four-year contract awarded to Leonardo in 2022 for the creation of the Proteus system. It is part of a wider initiative by the Royal Navy to enhance its capabilities, which also includes the recent announcement of the advanced SPEAR cruise missile, following successful trials with BAE Systems’ Typhoon jet. These missiles are designed to strike targets from distances up to 100 kilometers, effectively targeting enemy defenses, vessels, and ground vehicles, and will soon be integrated with the UK’s F-35B fighter jets.

Luke Pollard, the Minister for the Armed Forces, emphasized that the successful trial of the SPEAR missile represents a crucial advancement for the UK's military capabilities, ensuring that both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel are equipped with state-of-the-art technology for national protection. Additionally, he noted that these advancements bolster the UK economy through the development of high-skilled jobs and innovative solutions. Meanwhile, former defense minister Tobias Ellwood has expressed concerns about Britain's air defenses, cautions that they may struggle to protect against potential attacks from increasingly advanced Russian missile systems. He highlighted the risk faced by London and other major cities across the UK, as well as critical infrastructures like airports and nuclear facilities, due to the growing capabilities of enemy weaponry.