Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

How the UK Royal Navy is powering up its hybrid fleet to combat new threats

14th November 2025 - 14:01 GMT | by Eleanor Harvey in Manchester, UK

RSS

The Royal Navy carried out a USV operational demonstration in October with five uncrewed, remotely operated boats. (Photo: Crown Copyright/LPhot Daniel Bladen)

Since it announced its move towards a new “hybrid navy” earlier this year, the force has announced a number of new uncrewed technologies in the works.

The UK Royal Navy (RN) has visibly ramped up its efforts to enhance its uncrewed capabilities at sea in recent months, demonstrating its ambitions to develop a hybrid fleet to keep the country’s maritime defences on a global footing, despite the service’s relatively small size.

While the RN is already considered a technologically advanced force internationally, its current focus on getting uncrewed underwater vessels (UUVs) and uncrewed surface vessels (USV) into the field as quickly as possible is underpinning its ability to both tackle emerging threats and to work more closely with its allies, particularly within NATO, who are advancing their own uncrewed

Already have an account? Log in