For the first time: the British Navy establishes an autonomous squadron of unmanned boats

The British Royal Navy has announced the establishment of the first autonomous squadron in its history, which will operate unmanned boats in frontline operations. About 180 crew members will operate the vessels from a control room in two shifts. The navy commander called it a historic event, and the defense secretary linked the move to the increase in the defense budget.

The British Royal Navy has announced the establishment of the first autonomous squadron in its history, which will operate unmanned boats in frontline operations. The unit was commissioned in a ceremony at the Portsmouth naval base attended by more than 200 people. The navy commander, Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse, said it was a historic event, and that a hybrid array of manned ships and autonomous vessels will expand the operational range and strike power. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting linked the move to the largest increase in the defense budget since the Cold War, and an investment of £1.5 billion over four years. The squadron employs about 180 crew members in two shifts. The Kraken boats have a range of up to 1,800 kilometers, and the Rattler boats have escorted warships from a distance of about 800 kilometers. The announcement came after the navy launched attack drones from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in the North Atlantic for the first time.