Royal Navy greenlights two drone systems for front-line ops

The Royal Navy has declared two drone systems ready for front-line operations.

After two years of trials and development, including collaboration with operational partner forces, a fleet of Malloy T-150 uncrewed air systems will be deployed to carry ammunition, weaponry, food, personal, and medical supplies to Royal Marines Commandos.

Meanwhile, Royal Navy warships will gain valuable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities thanks to the Peregrine mini helicopter’s formal entry into service.

Earlier on, Royal Marines and the Royal Navy’s drone operators from 700X Naval Air Squadron and Commando Logistic Regiment have put the Malloy T-150s through a set of tests and exercises. This work has resulted in the systems being declared ready to Release to Service, which means they are ready to be used during operations.

According to the navy, Malloy UAS has proved immensely valuable in rapidly bringing supplies over complex terrain, reaching places where traditional supply lines are simply unviable.

The system has eight rotor blades – each around two feet (less than a meter) in length – an endurance of up to 40 minutes, a top speed of 60mph, and the ability to lift up to 68 kg. It requires a team of two, one remote pilot and a second to monitor the drone’s command unit, and can be flown manually or autonomously to designated waypoints with an underslung cargo.

“The introduction of logistic drones represents a significant expansion in the Commando Force’s use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems, beyond those already in-service for surveillance/reconnaissance, and importantly reduces the risk to personnel during tactical re-supply,” Brigadier Chris Haw, Head of the Commando Forces Programme, said.

“Tested in operationally representative conditions, and developed in close collaboration with Malloy, the equipment and operators have made considerable progress. The T-150 has great potential for broader use-cases as we have recently seen in operational theatres and on the Carrier Strike deployment.”

“As a multi-role UAS, the T-150 can be used for Replenishment at Sea one day and resupplying deployed Royal Marines Commandos the next,” Neil Appleton, CEO Malloy Aeronautics, commented.

“We’ve partnered with the UK Armed Forces throughout this programme, from the Royal Marines Commando Force to wider Ministry of Defence organisations to deliver this capability at pace, including training and in-service support.”

The Malloy T-150 is also undergoing operational evaluation with the UK Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific, recently delivering supplies from aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales to destroyer HMS Dauntless in a historic first.

Meanwhile, Peregrine has been developed and delivered in partnership with defense firms Thales and Schiebel.

“As Thales, along with Schiebel, we are proud to partner with the Royal Navy in delivering the Peregrine capability. Its operational success aboard HMS Lancaster demonstrates the potential of rotary wing uncrewed air systems to transform maritime operations,” Marie Gayrel, Thales Vice-President Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Business Line, stated.

“The introduction of Peregrine into service is a game-changer for our surface fleet. Its successful deployment with HMS Lancaster shows how uncrewed systems can deliver real operational advantage, extending our surveillance reach and enhancing our decision-making in theatre,” Captain Dave Gillett, Head of Navy Develop’s Maritime Aviation & Carrier Strike, concluded.

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