The Royal Navy has conducted a pioneering trial demonstrating the launch and recovery of uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) from a submarine, expanding the capabilities of the UK’s nuclear-powered attack submarines, UK Defence Journal reports.
According to a news update received by the UK Defence Journal, the trial took place in the Mediterranean under Project Scylla.
The exercise successfully tested the use of torpedo tubes to deploy and retrieve autonomous systems designed for underwater reconnaissance, communication, and seabed warfare missions.
Project Scylla is being delivered through AUKUS Pillar 2, which focuses on developing advanced defence technologies to strengthen security across both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions. The trial represents an early milestone in integrating such technologies into frontline operations.
Commodore Marcus Rose, Deputy Director for Underwater Battlespace Capabilities, said: “Delivery of these trials demonstrates our commitment to the use of advanced capabilities as part of a future hybrid Fleet and are a big step forward in delivering new capability to the Submarine Service.”
The trial was conducted by the Submarine Delivery Agency’s Autonomy Unit, in partnership with L3Harris, a key industry provider of autonomous maritime systems.
