Royal Navy Tests Nyan One Way Effector Drone Launch from Ship

The Royal Navy launched a Nyan One Way Effector drone from the experimentation ship XV Patrick Blackett during trials off the south coast of England, GB News reported. The drone, pre-programmed to fly to a specific target, was fired from a deck launcher. Personnel from 26 Royal Artillery and 744 Naval Air Squadron took part.

The same drone and launcher had previously been used by the British Army during a training exercise in Estonia. Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said Britain is serious about the transition to a Hybrid Navy with new, powerful drones at the heart of the Royal Navy.

He added that bringing together Army and Navy expertise to field strike drones from a ship at sea accelerates the capabilities forces need to stay ahead of adversaries.

Lieutenant Commander David Burton stated that the trial makes a significant step forward in delivering Maritime One-Way Effectors at pace. Under Project Vantage the capabilities will be integrated into the Hybrid Navy to expand reach, increase tempo and enhance lethality, he said.

The Defence Investment Plan allocates more than £5 billion to drone and autonomous systems and uncrewed naval vessels.

It also provides £64 billion for renewal of the nuclear deterrent, including new submarines, a sovereign warhead and F-35A fighters, and more than £8 billion for the global combat air programme with Japan and Italy. Approximately £5 billion is allocated for a drone transformation programme.

An additional £15 billion over four years leaves a £13 billion shortfall relative to the £28 billion previously demanded of the Treasury.

Last week the Prime Minister outlined proposals to equip troops with attack drones alongside Apache helicopters, deploy new surveillance aircraft and increase use of low-cost one-way strike drones to increase Army lethality tenfold.