On 16 May the Royal Navy unveiled its first uncrewed submarine – paving the way for how the UK could operate in the underwater battlespace. The 12m experimental vessel, displacing 19 tonnes and at two metres across, is the culmination of the three-year long Project Cetus, and the largest uncrewed underwater vessel trialled by the navy to date.
It was formally unveiled and named Excalibur at HMNB Devonport in front of 200 VIPs and guests, including Rear Admiral James Parkin, Navy Director Develop, representatives from AUKUS nations, trainees from across the navy and Cadets.
Over the next two years, Excalibur will carry out extensive sea trials, helping to accelerate the RN’s use of advanced technologies. It will help develop a better understanding of the unique challenges that come with operating uncrewed vessels of this size – with the aim of future vessels working alongside crewed platforms.
The trials and testing will contribute significantly to the RN’s constant efforts to remain ahead of potential foes beneath the waves, safeguarding key infrastructure, protecting British and allied ships and submarines and gathering intelligence. Excalibur was built by Plymouth-based MSubs, who specialise in automated submersibles.
Commodore Marcus Rose, Deputy Director Underwater Battlespace Capability, said: “The naming of Excalibur is a significant milestone for the Royal Navy and the upcoming sea trials will allow us to rapidly develop our understanding of operating uncrewed vessels of this size underwater. The lessons learnt from this exciting programme will build on our experience from existing programmes, such as the Mine Hunting Capability programme, to inform more extensive use of these technologies in a mixed force of crewed and uncrewed systems. Successful delivery of this programme is testament to what can be achieved in collaboration with our industrial partners.”
Source: RN
