By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-01-07 22:51:23 | Updated at 2025-01-08 19:27:56
20 hours ago
The Royal Navy has struck a £60million deal to develop an autonomous drone helicopter designed to hunt enemy submarines, marking a significant advancement in British naval defence technology.
The Proteus drone, developed by Yeovil-based defence firm Leonardo, will enhance the Navy's submarine detection capabilities through advanced autonomous systems.
Leonardo unveiled the demonstrator design of the aircraft today, showcasing the latest addition to Britain's growing arsenal of autonomous defence systems.
The unmanned helicopter represents a major investment in the UK's maritime defence capabilities, with the original contract awarded to Leonardo in 2022 spanning four years of development.
The Proteus drone, will be developed by Yeovil-based defence firm Leonardo
Leonardo Website
One of the Proteus drone's key capabilities is deploying sonobuoys, which can detect engine and propeller sounds from enemy submarines underwater.
Leonardo highlighted the operational advantages of the system, stating: "The ability to plug in specific payloads for different missions aims to give commanders in the field a wide range of options from a single type of aircraft."
The company emphasised the cost-effectiveness of the design, noting that it "delivers value for money by avoiding the need to buy and maintain multiple different fleets of aircraft".
One of the Proteus drone's key capabilities is deploying sonobuoys
Leonardo Website
Flight tests for the Proteus programme have been scheduled for mid-2025.
The programme builds upon the initial £60million contract awarded in 2022, with the upcoming flight tests evaluating the drone's capabilities in real-world conditions.
