New UAVs: is the right capability being procured for the British Army?
The retirement of the UK’s Watchkeeper UAV was announced in November 2024. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
Following the retirement of Watchkeeper from the UK Armed Forces, what drone capabilities will be next sought as a replacement?
The British Army’s 47th Regiment Royal Artillery is on notice that its Watchkeeper intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) will likely be retired in 2025.
The programme, managed by Thales UK and based on an Elbit Hermes 450, has had what could charitably described as a chequered history. It is unlikely to be much mourned.
The replacement effort, “Land Tactical Deep Find”, is suitably vaguely named to cover a wide range of potential solutions. But it does at least provide general identification of goals and parameters: the UAS will not require a maritime bent, range
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![FCAS programme to launch Phase 2 by mid-2026, say French officials]()
FCAS programme to launch Phase 2 by mid-2026, say French officials
Developed by France, Spain and Germany, the European 6th-generation combat air programme is progressing apace with new milestones expected by next year after delays to the programme.
-
![UK MoD awards Ascent with eight-year contract to upgrade RAF and Royal Navy flight training]()
UK MoD awards Ascent with eight-year contract to upgrade RAF and Royal Navy flight training
Funding of £300 million will go towards training personnel on the FIRCTS programmes to meet a growing demand for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) platforms.
-
![Airbus, Babcock and CAE partner for Poland helicopter training requirement]()
Airbus, Babcock and CAE partner for Poland helicopter training requirement
Poland first issued a requirement for up to 24 helicopters and associated training systems in January 2024.
-
![Next generation jammers ordered for Royal Australian Air Force and US Navy Growlers]()
Next generation jammers ordered for Royal Australian Air Force and US Navy Growlers
The order includes jammers for Australian EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft follows an order for deployment on US Navy Growlers in December last year and an announcement in March that full-rate production was near.
