Strike Drones Launched From Aircraft Carrier

The Royal Navy has successfully launched the Nyan One-Way Effector uncrewed air system, designed by BAE Systems entity Callen-Lenz, from the deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth for the first time.

During Exercise Neptune Reach B in the North Atlantic, the Nyan system completed four separate launches from the carrier flight deck, with all four drones successfully hitting their designated strike points. The trials demonstrated how the platform can safely integrate and operate from a large, complex maritime vessel, accelerating the Royal Navy’s hybrid navy efforts to expand, reach, and deliver operational effect using uncrewed platforms.

Designed and built by Callen-Lenz, the Nyan system is a small uncrewed aircraft with a 2.9-metre wingspan, engineered to deliver a precision strike capability. The aircraft forms part of BAE Systems’ strategy of investing in advanced technologies to address emerging operational requirements, highlighted by an expanding portfolio of uncrewed air systems developed through its FalconWorks advanced research and technology hub. The company is drawing on more than 25 years of experience in uncrewed and autonomous systems to deliver products capable of operating alongside existing and future frontline platforms to provide affordable combat mass.

Matt Foster, CEO of BAE Systems’ Callen-Lenz, said, “The successful operation of Nyan from HMS Queen Elizabeth provides another proof-point of how this capability can support future force development and the evolution of the Royal Navy’s vision for a hybrid navy. As operational requirements evolve, we continue to invest in uncrewed systems that can provide affordable, scalable combat mass and increase the impact of existing capabilities.”

The carrier trials were conducted under Project Vantage, an initiative focused on accelerating the test and fielding of maritime strike drones through a collaboration among the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force. The deployment follows Nyan’s maiden seaborne launch earlier this year from the Royal Navy experimental vessel XV Patrick Blackett during Exercise Neptune Reach A.

Lieutenant Commander David Burton, Capability Sponsor, Royal Navy, commented, “Neptune Reach B marks an important milestone in the Royal Navy’s understanding of how Maritime One-Way Effectors will contribute to future Carrier Strike operations. Through Project Vantage we are generating the evidence, operational insight and confidence required to inform future capability decisions while supporting the wider Defence One-Way Effector programme.

“Conducting these activities from HMS Queen Elizabeth allows us to explore how uncrewed strike drones might operate alongside other crewed and uncrewed capabilities within a maritime task group. The lessons identified will directly contribute to Maritime Aviation Transformation and our vision for a Hybrid Navy that delivers greater operational choice and effect.”