Royal Navy commissions its first autonomous squadron to operate uncrewed boats

The Royal Navy commissioned the 1st Autonomous Squadron, its first unit made up entirely of uncrewed boats, at a ceremony at Portsmouth naval base on 5 November. The ceremony included a display of the Kraken K3 Scout and Rattler uncrewed surface vessels the squadron will operate.

The unit is part of a GBP 1.5 billion investment over four years in a hybrid fleet that combines crewed ships with uncrewed and autonomous systems. It has about 180 personnel, about as many as a frigate, in two watches to keep operating around the clock; the number of boats was not disclosed. It replaces Project Beehive, the navy's first programme to buy uncrewed boats.

The boats can be used for surveillance, force protection and precision strikes alongside crewed warships and helicopters. One Kraken K3 Scout carries a Saab Giraffe 1X radar and others carry counter-drone interceptors, so together they could form an outer air-defence screen ahead of an aircraft carrier or a Type 45 destroyer. Their first operational deployment is expected in the coming months.

Squadron commander Helen Coxon said the task now is to put the boats to work, alone or with allies, and to bring new uncrewed systems into the fleet as fast as is responsible. Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse said an autonomous squadron now takes its place alongside the fleet's ships, submarines and aircraft.