UK Royal Navy explores modular counter-drone capabilities for future hybrid fleet
The new Type 26 City-class anti-submarine warfare frigates will operate with uncrewed and autonomous platforms, forming an integral part of the Hybrid Navy vision. (Photo: Crown Copyright/UK Ministry of Defence)
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking early market engagement looking at counter-uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) capabilities for the Royal Navy (RN) – titled Project METIS and Project TALON.
The two initiatives signal potential future procurement opportunities for modular, containerised CUAS platforms with a focus on cost-efficiency, autonomy and the ability to be deployed across maritime and land platforms.
Under Project METIS – Modular Effects, Tactical Interchangeably System – a request for information (RfI) was issued at the end of February seeking information from potential providers of modular, low-cost effectors to counter the growing issue of uncrewed threats and complement
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Sealift shortfalls set to drive opportunities across NATO navies
A new Council on Geostrategy primer warns that NATO cannot defend its own supply lines. As the alliance faces a sealift and logistics escort deficit, a wave of unawarded procurement is beginning to take shape.
-
AUKUS advance on UUVs contrasts with Virginia-class compromise
The AUKUS partnership is accelerating uncrewed undersea capability while its submarine arm inches forward, and Australia’s decision to settle for three in-service Virginia-class boats raises questions about industrial risk, dependency and whether Pillar II may deliver meaningful capability long before Pillar I can.
-
Peru partnership may serve as a template for South Korean naval exports into South America
With a growing pipeline of naval modernisation programmes in South America, South Korean companies could be set to expand their presence in the region as recent contract wins highlight growing collaboration.
-
AUKUS plan B? Japan’s submarines stopgap gains traction
Australia’s Collins-class life of type extension has revived debate over whether Canberra needs a contingency plan as risks to every stage of the AUKUS pathway mount. With Japan newly open to exports, the case for a diesel-electric stopgap is gaining traction.
-
Seoul’s SSN programme launch raises questions on fuel, tech and build location
Seoul has unveiled its “Jangbogo-N Project” to develop domestically built, nuclear-propelled attack submarines in close coordination with Washington, marking an escalation of the Republic of Korea’s deterrence posture against Pyongyang’s undersea nuclear capabilities.