Drones in the British Armed Forces: Operations, Trials, and the Road Ahead

Drones have become essential tools in modern warfare, providing surveillance, strike capabilities, and logistics support, without endangering lives and using fewer people than traditional capabilities. The British armed forces are currently integrating drones across the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force in a range of different roles. Recent advancements demonstrate how quickly drone technology is evolving, with the Ministry of Defence investing £4.5 billion through its Defence Drone Strategy. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are playing a pivotal role by supplying innovative solutions to the MoD. This article examines current operational uses, ongoing trials, and future considerations as to how drones will reshaping Britain's defence capabilities.

Current Operational Use

The Royal Air Force leads in large-scale drone operations, employing medium-altitude, long-endurance platforms for intelligence gathering and precision strikes. Since 2007, the MQ-9 Reaper has been instrumental in missions across Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, but it is now being phased out in favour of the Protector RG Mk1. Four Protector drones are already in service at RAF Waddington, with plans for up to 16 in total; they operate freely in UK airspace for both surveillance and armed tasks. Additionally, StormShroud drones - based on the Tekever AR3 - provide electronic warfare support by jamming enemy radars, thereby protecting F-35 Lightening II and Typhoon jets during operations.

In the British Army, tactical drones support reconnaissance and targeting at the front line. The Watchkeeper WK450 assists artillery units by spotting targets and has been adapted for border patrols after limited use in Afghanistan. Smaller systems like the Black Hornet enable soldiers to scout buildings, while Bug drones equipped with microphones conduct covert listening. For broader coverage, the Army deploys loitering munitions such as Drone 40, quick-response ISR platforms like Indago 4 and Magni-X, and longer-range options including the Stalker VXE30. In Estonia, as part of NATO commitments, troops operate one-way attack drones like the Dart 250EW to counter potential threats.

The Royal Navy integrates drones effectively at sea to extend its reach and reduce reliance on manned helicopters. Peregrine rotary-wing drones launch from ships such as HMS Lancaster to monitor threats in the Gulf region. Faster platforms like the Banshee Jet 80+ enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Heavy-lift models, including the Malloy T-150, resupply carriers at sea, while the Puma AE conducts maritime patrols. The Ghost MK4 supports Royal Marines during exercises, allowing helicopters to focus on more demanding roles.

Ongoing Trials

The MoD is actively trialling advanced drone technologies to push the boundaries of current capabilities and their integration with existing platforms and operations. High-altitude balloons are being tested for persistent ISR data collection, and in one notable exercise, a single operator successfully controlled three vehicles simultaneously to detect threats. Counter-drone systems have shown impressive results, with soldiers using radio-wave weapons to neutralise swarms and vehicle-mounted lasers destroying incoming drones at long range. The DragonFire laser, trialled for Royal Navy ships, successfully engaged 30 targets and is scheduled to enter service in 2027.

Robotic dogs are under evaluation for bomb disposal tasks, minimising risks to personnel, while the StormShroud system undergoes electronic warfare trials. Heavy-lift UAS from ISS Aerospace, capable of carrying 250kg payloads, are being assessed for logistics. Drawing lessons from Ukraine - where Britain has supplied over 70,000 drones, including FPV and loitering types - the MoD is testing Anduril drones for Black Sea operations. In September 2025, the Royal Navy trialled inter-ship drone deliveries to enable cost-effective resupply. The TIQUILA project focuses on small drones like the Indago, and from 2027, the MoD will establish a dedicated framework for partnering with industry on further trials. These efforts emphasise autonomy, AI integration, and resilience in contested environments, informed by the Drone Capability Coalition with Latvia.

Future Considerations

Looking ahead, the armed forces are planning a seamless blend of crewed and uncrewed systems. For the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, air-to-air refuelling drones under Project VANQUISH will enable autonomous launches without catapults, supporting ISR, strikes, and mid-air fuelling. This will create hybrid air wings that extend the range of F-35 aircraft, with potential retrofits for catapults in the future.

The integration of P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft with Protector drones is progressing to bolster North Atlantic patrols, where Protector's maritime sensors will provide persistent ISR alongside the P-8's anti-submarine warfare expertise. This layered approach, inspired by Canada's model, will be detailed in the upcoming Defence Investment Plan.

Project CABOT addresses submarine threats by creating an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) barrier across the North Atlantic. Phase one, Atlantic Net, deploys contractor-operated uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and underwater vehicles (UUVs) with AI-driven data analysis. Phase two introduces government-owned platforms like the Type

92 Sloop and Type 93 Chariot, aiming for comprehensive awareness from space to seabed, particularly in the GIUK gap. Technologies such as towed sonars and gliders will free up manned ships for higher-priority missions – a vital consideration given the Royal Navy’s recruitment and retention crisis.

The Strategic Defence Review underscores this direction, advocating a 'hybrid navy' and 'next-generation RAF' with an additional £4 billion investment. A new Drone Centre will accelerate the adoption of small UAS across all services.

SMEs Supplying the MoD

SMEs are driving rapid innovation for the MoD, ensuring agile and cost-effective solutions. Tekever supplies the AR3 EVO drone, a modular platform for ISR, electronic attack, and maritime surveillance with up to 22 hours of endurance. The MoD has committed £270 million to these for Ukraine, and a new UK factory opening in 2026 will create jobs while supporting StormShroud EW missions in partnership with QinetiQ.

Windracers provides the ULTRA MK2, a heavy-lift drone that transports 150kg over 1,000km and lands on unprepared terrain. The Royal Navy has trialled it for carrier resupply, praising its autonomy and parachute delivery system. Expanding facilities in Fareham support exports to Ukraine and humanitarian operations, emphasising reliability in austere environments – a key military requirement.

These SMEs strengthen the UK’s manufacturing base and deliver technology at pace, something which has been lacking in recent UK defence procurement.

Conclusion

Drones are transforming the British armed forces by enhancing current operations, informing cutting-edge trials, and shaping ambitious future projects like CABOT. SMEs such as Tekever and Windracers are indispensable partners in this evolution. With sustained MoD investment, these systems will ensure Britain remains at the forefront of the development and deployment of drone technologies.