UK disposable frontline drones set for 2025 deployment while collaborative platforms await decision
The post-Mosquito combat drone project, launched in November 2022, would fall into the Tier 2 category of ACPs. (Photo: UK RAF/Crown Copyright)
Reflecting on lessons learned from the cancellation of the Mosquito programme, the Royal Air Force has redefined the role of uncrewed systems within its ranks through a tiered system.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) will field an operationally capable, disposable Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) drone system – or family of systems – by the end of 2025, the head of the service said on 27 March.
Delivering the closing keynote speech at the RUSI Combat Air Conference 2024, air chief marshal Sir Richard Knighton emphasised that the RAF's experience with the cancellation of the Mosquito programme (part of the Lightweight Affordable Novel Combat Aircraft, or LANCA project) provided valuable insights for reevaluating the role of uncrewed systems within the force. The RAF was poised to implement a tiered system, with
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
