The Royal Navy has commissioned its first autonomous squadron, with uncrewed boats now taking their place alongside traditional ships, submarines and aircraft.
The 1st Autonomous Squadron was formally launched at His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth on 5 November, where guests watched the Kraken and Rattler vessels being controlled around the harbour from a shore-based hub.
A new chapter for the Fleet
Based in Portsmouth, the squadron has around 180 personnel split into two watches so it can sustain operations around the clock. It replaces Project Beehive, an earlier programme created to test autonomous and crewless boats.
The unit will operate vessels on their own or alongside other Royal Navy ships, allied forces and partner organisations. It will also help bring new uncrewed systems into service, working with Navy Develop, the Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office and the Royal Navy’s Capability Accelerator.
The launch forms part of a wider £1.5bn investment in hybrid naval operations over four years. The Capability Accelerator, set up in 2025 and partially funded by UK Defence Innovation, has also opened a new hub at Portsmouth. Its work includes adapting commercially available technology for military use more quickly.
The aim is to give sailors more options at sea while developing the skills and tactics needed to use autonomous systems responsibly.
Why it matters for Britain
The squadron brings 180 specialist roles, training and technology development to Portsmouth. The new hub and investment could also help British defence teams move useful autonomous equipment from testing to frontline use faster.
