Royal Navy announces first uncrewed boats squadron

The Royal Navy has announced the creation of its first autonomous squadron focused on operating uncrewed boats on the front line. The £12m fleet, based at Portsmouth Naval Base, will include around 180 personnel and will operate dozens of K3 Scout surveillance drones and Rattler training drones to monitor Russian vessels in British waters. The 28ft Kraken boats can reach speeds up to 63 mph, carry a 600kg payload, and have a range up to 1,100 miles. Officials said the systems have already been tested in Scotland, including missions while piloted from 500 miles away. They may be used to track interference with undersea cables and bolster deterrence. The squadron forms part of a broader “hybrid navy” plan with £1.5bn earmarked.