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First Sea Lord Launches Four-Year Push to Ready Royal Navy With Hybrid Crewed and Uncrewed Fleet

The plan hinges on rapid autonomy trials with tighter industry partnership to deliver near-term capability.

First Sea Lord General Gwyn Jenkins
Image
A UAV is launched onboard the UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales during the CSG25 deployment. The RN is planning to accelerate getting uncrewed systems to sea over the next two years.

Overview

  • General Sir Gwyn Jenkins set a four-year mission to move the Royal Navy to warfighting readiness in his DSEI keynote, framing a shift to a dispersed, digitally connected hybrid force.
  • The Navy aims to launch a jet-powered, carrier-launched collaborative drone as a concept demonstrator next year to accelerate a hybrid carrier air wing.
  • Uncrewed escort ships are intended to operate alongside Royal Navy warships within two years, augmenting platforms like the Type 26 with additional sensors, weapons and decoys.
  • An ‘Atlantic Bastion’ undersea defense construct was unveiled, with initial sensors planned in the water next year across a network from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to the Norwegian Sea.
  • The drive depends on streamlined procurement and workforce change, with leadership assessment tools to be trialed within 100 days and acknowledged industry delays, including on Type 26, addressed through closer collaboration.