The Royal Navy is leading ‘Unmanned Warrior 16’, an innovative demonstration of autonomous systems which could transform the way in which the Armed Forces defend the UK.
The demonstration was held off the coast of west Scotland and west Wales and brings together 40 industry partners and international allies to showcase the latest in remote technology.
More than 50 aerial, surface and underwater Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS) are taking part in a range of demonstrations on the themes of surveillance, intelligence-gathering and mine countermeasures.
The move is part of the new Defence Innovation Initiative and the £800 million fund that supports the generation of ideas to benefit both defence and British businesses.
Peter Pipkin, Officer Commander Royal Navy Fleet Robotics, who is supervising Unmanned Warrior 16, commented: “The technologies demonstrated in Unmanned Warrior have the potential to fundamentally change the future of Royal Navy operations just as the advent of steam propulsion or submarines did. This is a chance to take a great leap forward in Maritime Systems – not to take people out of the loop, but to enhance everything they do, extending our reach and efficiency using intelligent robotics at sea.”
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon added: “The sheer scale of this exercise demonstrates how our Armed Forces are leading in developing futuristic technologies to keep us safe at sea, or in the air. This is part of our new approach to harnessing innovation, backed by a rising Defence budget, to ensure we keep ahead of our adversaries.”
