Royal Navy launches Project Vanquish to test carrier-launched drone
GA-ASI’s Mojave conducted trials on the HMS Prince of Wales in 2023. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
The requirement notice outlines the need for a fixed-wing, short take-off and landing autonomous collaborative platform, as part of the UK Royal Navy’s route towards fielding a hybrid air wing.
The UK Royal Navy (RN) has requested industry proposals for Project Vanquish; an initiative aimed at testing attritable, autonomous collaborative platforms (ACPs) to operate from the navy’s Queen Elizabeth Carrier (QEC).
Project Vanquish will look to deliver a technical demonstration at sea of an attritable, fixed-wing, short take-off and landing (STOL) ACP. The total estimated value for the demonstrator was £12 million (US$16.13 million), with a demonstration aiming to take place by 2026 – or within 18 months of the contract date.
The demonstration is estimated to run until December 2027 at the latest.
As a requirement for the platform,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Dubai Airshow 2025: Edge Group eyes international market expansion, unveils new UAVs]()
Dubai Airshow 2025: Edge Group eyes international market expansion, unveils new UAVs
The UAV portfolio expansion comes in the wake of the Edge-Anduril joint venture announced ahead of the airshow.
-
![India reopens hunt for reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters]()
India reopens hunt for reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters
The extended deadline for vendors highlights the complexity of the procurement for India, with numerous vendors positioning themselves for the programme.
-
![European firms express interest in filling NATO airborne early warning replacement needs]()
European firms express interest in filling NATO airborne early warning replacement needs
The comments from both Saab and Airbus on their potential to fulfil the airborne early warning and control requirement come after NATO countries shelved plans to procure six E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft.
-
![Dubai Airshow 2025: Lockheed’s AGM-158 XR flight tests planned for 2026]()
Dubai Airshow 2025: Lockheed’s AGM-158 XR flight tests planned for 2026
The AGM-158 XR, which started as a Lockheed Martin internal investment, was first unveiled in September 2024.
