Images show ‘bombs’ dropped on Royal Navy ship by drone
In a dramatic demonstration, a drone successfully ‘dropped bombs’ on the Royal Navy’s experimental vessel, XV Patrick Blackett, as part of the uncrewed systems training exercise REPMUS24 held off the coast of Portugal.The event, which took place in Troia, showcased the Royal Navy’s use of autonomous systems in military exercises designed to push the limits of cutting-edge technology.
The UAV Rotron drone performed the artificial bomb drop as part of the Royal Navy’s broader experimentation with uncrewed systems, marking a significant development in autonomous warfare capabilities. Personnel from 27 nations, including the UK, participated in the exercise, designed to test and integrate these technologies into operational task groups.
The REPMUS (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping Maritime Uncrewed Systems) exercise is NATO’s annual event focused on advancing uncrewed systems. XV Patrick Blackett, the Royal Navy’s testbed for new maritime technologies, played a central role in the trials, which also involved a wide range of other uncrewed systems, including mini quadcopters, surveillance drones, and autonomous Pacific 24 ribs.
Building on last year’s exercise, the Royal Navy tested various uncrewed aerial vehicles, including Peregrine, Puma, and Ebee Vision drones. Additionally, NavyPODS, specialised shipping containers, were used as operations rooms, command centres, and storage for the uncrewed systems.
The exercise also contributed to progress under the AUKUS agreement, a key defence and security partnership between the UK, Australia, and the United States. Through exercises like REPMUS24, NATO and its allies continue to refine and test emerging autonomous technologies to enhance future military operations.
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