The Royal Navy has carried out its inaugural launches of the Nyan One-Way Effector (OWE) uncrewed air system from HMS Queen Elizabeth, marking a key milestone in integrating strike-capable drone technology aboard UK aircraft carriers.
In the North Atlantic, four Nyan drones, developed by Callen-Lenz, a BAE Systems entity, were launched during Exercise Neptune Reach B, with each reportedly striking its assigned target.
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According to BAE Systems, these tests confirm that the Nyan system can be operated and safely managed from the UK’s largest and most complex maritime platform.
The exercise is part of Project Vantage, a tri-service initiative involving the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.
Project Vantage aims to accelerate the testing and adoption of maritime strike drones to enhance UK defence capabilities and inform future force development.
Callen-Lenz CEO Matt Foster 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 trials are a further step in the Navy’s development of a “hybrid carrier air wing”, combining crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations from an aircraft carrier.
This event follows the first at-sea launch of a Nyan drone from the Royal Navy’s experimental vessel XV Patrick Blackett during Exercise Neptune Reach A earlier in the year.
The new trials enable the Royal Navy to gather operational evidence and lessons to support its Defence One-Way Effector programme and inform broader Maritime Aviation Transformation plans.
The Nyan system is a small uncrewed aircraft with a wingspan of 2.9m, designed for precision strike tasks.
BAE Systems has reported ongoing investment in uncrewed platforms, highlighting work by its FalconWorks research unit on expanding the company’s portfolio of air systems aligned with emerging UK defence requirements.
Trial outcomes will contribute to decision-making on the integration of uncrewed strike assets to increase future carrier strike group operational options as part of the Royal Navy’s efforts to deliver a “hybrid navy.”
Royal Navy Capability Sponsor lieutenant commander David Burton said: “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.”
Separately, HMS Queen Elizabeth supported Heavy Lift Challenge 3, during which a Tekever AR5 fixed-wing uncrewed aircraft was flown from an aircraft carrier for the first time.
The AR5 has a 7m wingspan and can carry payloads of up to 80kg. The exercise considered its potential for logistics and operational roles, including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions alongside uncrewed strike systems.
The tests align with the UK Government’s efforts to bring the Armed Forces in line with current combat requirements.
Under the Defence Investment Plan, more than £5bn has been earmarked for autonomous systems by 2030, making it the biggest investment in drone technology in the history of UK Defence.
