The drone armada: Navy deploys unmanned vessels against Putin spy ships

Published: 17:50 EDT, 8 November 2026 | Updated: 18:40 EDT, 8 November 2026 The Royal Navy has launched its first squadron of uncrewed boats to patrol UK waters and take on Russian spy ships.The fleet of drones, controlled remotely by 180 sailors, comprises more than 20 vessels that can be armed with missiles, radar and surveillance technology.It was rushed into service at a pace service chiefs didn't believe was possible a few months ago, and will help to relieve the strain on Britain's diminished naval fleet.The 28ft-long K3 Scout drones, which have been used by Ukraine to attack Russian ships, can hit 55 knots (63mph) and have a range of around 800 miles.But they can be equipped with bigger fuel tanks to extend their range to 1,100 miles, which could enable them to sail into Russia's Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad.They are equipped using a 'plug-in-and-play' system, meaning each boat has the ability to carry a different payload.One, fitted with a radar, can sail out automatically ahead of a carrier strike group, providing the ability to spot threats sooner.Another can be armed with a battery of light missiles, capable of destroying kamikaze drones and attack helicopters. The Royal Navy's new uncrewed vessels can be fitted with missiles, radar and surveillance technology depending on their operational role Pictured is Commander Helen Coxon Commanding Officer 1st Autonomous Squadron Although based in Portsmouth, they can be deployed anywhere off the British coast.Captain Adam Ballard, deputy commander of the Royal Navy's surface flotilla, said they would increase Britain's ability to respond to Russian provocation.'We now have a large fleet of these that I can deploy against an enemy,' he said.'From today, we will start using these actively in all the sorts of areas where you've traditionally seen crewed ships because they are so flexible and versatile.'I am no longer beholden on just having to deploy a frigate or destroyer. I can deploy these very discreetly and very rapidly, and that gives me a significant advantage over our enemies.'The 1st Autonomous Squadron was commissioned in a ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base on Thursday and will be led by Commander Helen Coxon. The Royal Navy is already using the Rattler, a 23ft uncrewed training boat.This reliance on drone technology comes when the Royal Navy is smaller than it has been for generations, with just five frigates, soon to be reduced to three.Meanwhile, most of its £6billion fleet of six Type 45 destroyers is undergoing maintenance.Vice-Admiral Steve Moorhouse, commander of the fleet, said the Royal Navy would soon turn a corner, with the first of eight new Type 26 frigates to join the fleet 'in months, not years'. He said: 'There's not a fleet commander born that doesn't want more ships, more money, but I've got to be ready to go and there's so much that we can do ourselves.'Military chiefs are investing £1.5billion over four years to boost the Royal Navy with drones that can be delivered faster than larger warships.Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'We are using the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War to put the latest autonomous technology into the hands of our sailors to protect our shores and those of our Nato allies.'