Seaborne drones will become “critical” to naval warfare within a decade as they replace sailors on minesweeping, anti-terrorism and other dangerous missions, the Royal Navy’s most senior technology officer has said. Forthcoming tests with unmanned and autonomous craft involved “some of the most exciting stuff that the navy has done for some time”, Commander Peter Pipkin, fleet robotics officer, said. Mr Pipkin spoke to The Times at a preview event for Unmanned Warrior, the navy’s first major trials for seaborne drones, which take place in October. More than 50 unmanned aerial, undersea and surface vehicles built by more than 40 companies will be put to the test near the Outer Hebrides. On display yesterday was the Sonobuoy, a 12in cylinder containing a sonar buoy, which
The UK's Royal Navy is launching trials for a series of autonomous sea UAVs, specifically drones. The Royal Navy's senior technology adviser says the new technology will be "critical" in replacing sailors in the most vulnerable and dangerous situations. Over 50 UAVs from more than 40 companies are to be tested near the Outer Hebrides in October.