Wiltshire-made drones launched from Navy aircraft carrier

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 23:16 · Archive

Nyan Maritime strike drones made in Wiltshire have been launched from HMS Queen Elizabeth for the first time.

Nyan Maritime one-way strike drones manufactured by Callen-Lenz in Salisbury, Wiltshire and TEKEVER in Swindon have been launched from HMS Queen Elizabeth for the first time. The trials took place in the North Atlantic in mid-October as part of a wider demonstration of how the Navy's autonomous strike systems could operate alongside F-35B stealth jets.

TEKEVER opened its Swindon factory last year and has been manufacturing the drones for use by British and other NATO armed forces. The drones were first launched at sea from an experimentation ship earlier in the year, but this deployment from an aircraft carrier marks a significant step forward.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said the exercise demonstrated the Navy's high-tech approach to maritime warfare. 'It brings together crewed aircraft and drones to increase the carrier's reach, lethality and flexibility, while keeping personnel further away from danger,' the spokesperson said.

Flights were conducted with experts from across the Armed Forces and industry. The trials were designed to improve understanding of how uncrewed strike systems could support future Carrier Strike operations and wider Defence activity.

Separately, the Tekever AR5 operated from a carrier for the first time during Heavy Lift Challenge 3, demonstrating how autonomous aircraft could support logistics and other operational tasks at sea.

Wiltshire-made drones launched from Navy aircraft carrier — Image: Gazette & Herald

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How it is being reported

Wiltshire-made drones launched from Royal Navy aircraft carrier for first timeWiltshire-made Nyan Maritime strike drones launch from HMS Queen Elizabeth for first time, supporting Royal Navy F-35B trials and future carrier operations.Gazette & Herald · 5 Nov, 22:30
Wiltshire-made drones launched from Royal Navy aircraft carrier for first timeWiltshire-made Nyan Maritime strike drones launch from HMS Queen Elizabeth for first time, supporting Royal Navy F-35B trials and future carrier operations.Swindon Advertiser · 5 Nov, 22:30
Wiltshire-made drones launched from Royal Navy aircraft carrier for first timeWiltshire-made Nyan Maritime strike drones launch from HMS Queen Elizabeth for first time, supporting Royal Navy F-35B trials and future carrier operations.Wiltshire Times · 5 Nov, 22:30

In this story: HMS Queen Elizabeth · Royal Navy · Callen-Lenz · TEKEVER · Salisbury · Swindon

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