British aircraft carrier to fly combat drone within 18 months

The Royal Navy plans to fly an uncrewed combat aircraft from a Queen Elizabeth-class carrier within 18 months, the most concrete timeline to date for deploying a jet-powered drone on a carrier deck. The project, VANQUISH, aims to deliver a short take-off and landing autonomous platform that can operate alongside crewed aircraft. Defence readiness minister Luke Pollard noted feasibility studies, industry engagement, and option development ahead of acquisitions, with final decisions contingent on the Defence Investment Plan. The Collaborative Combat Aircraft would fly with crews, carrying sensors or weapons to multiply force with fewer personnel, expanding the air wing beyond the F-35B and fitting the Hybrid Air Wing concept. Carriers have previously hosted uncrewed trials, though launching and recovering drones without catapults or arrestor wires remains a challenge, and procurement depends on budgetary authorisation.