RN fires Switchblade 300 from autonomous Madfox
The RN’s autonomous MADFOX vessel fired the Switchblade 300 during two weeks of NATO exercises in Portugal. (Photo: MoD/ Crown Copyright)
The RN launched Switchblade 300 from the Madfox autonomous platform for the first time.
The RN has launched an AeroVironment Switchblade 300 Tactical Missile System from its autonomous Madfox boat during the REPMUS 2021 NATO exercise in Portugal.
The missile firing occurred during a two-week exercise in September 2021 to test the integration of NATO systems and explore existing and new military roles for autonomy.
A Puma drone launched from USNS Carson City relayed target information to a land-based control centre for the firing. Madfox then received the target information and fired the missile.
Experts from the RN NavyX autonomous systems research division deployed to Portugal for the exercise.
NavyX Experimentation Team Leader Cdr Antony Crabb said:
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![ASFAT and United Defense Technology partner to bid for Royal Thai Navy frigate build]()
ASFAT and United Defense Technology partner to bid for Royal Thai Navy frigate build
The Thai and Turkish companies will work together to bid for the four-vessel contract.
-
![Malaysia’s Maharaja Lela frigates to fit SEA’s Torpedo Launcher System]()
Malaysia’s Maharaja Lela frigates to fit SEA’s Torpedo Launcher System
The TLS is expected to improve the vessels’ anti-submarine warfare performance in Malaysia’s littoral region.
-
![New contract enhances local building commitment of Colombia’s PES frigate programme]()
New contract enhances local building commitment of Colombia’s PES frigate programme
Damen Naval has signed a contract with Heinen & Hopman, which will use local Colombian HVAC-R experts to fit out the fleet.
-
![Anduril awarded $642 million counter-drone contract with US Marine Corps]()
Anduril awarded $642 million counter-drone contract with US Marine Corps
The contract will see counter-small uncrewed aerial systems (CsUAS) installed at bases, with the initial contract covering site survey and engineering services as well as some system procurement. Work is expected to be completed over the next ten years.
