US ally trials drone-launching robotic boat for autonomous sea surveillance

The Royal Navy trialed an uncrewed surface vessel that can autonomously launch, recover, and power a tethered drone at sea.

The test used ACUA Ocean’s Pioneer USV with Teledyne FLIR Defense’s SkyCarrier and SkyRanger R70 for UK defence partners.

The capability is aimed at longer-duration maritime surveillance without putting crew at risk.

It could support ISR, anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, and protection of offshore infrastructure.