Royal Navy launches Callen-Lenz Nyan strike drone at sea for first time as Project VANTAGE advances Hybrid Navy capability

The trial was delivered as part of Exercise NEPTUNE REACH under Project VANTAGE. The activity brought together the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force to assess the performance and operational utility of Maritime One-Way Effectors.

The Nyan One-Way Effector had already been tested extensively during land exercises. The at-sea launch explored how the system could be operated from a ship using a launcher installed on the vessel’s deck.

The drone was pre-programmed to fly to a specific target. The Royal Navy said the successful launch and flight set conditions for further experimentation and potential future deployment across the fleet.

The platform builds on proven operational use with the British Army. The drone and launcher combination was recently used in Estonia during Exercise SPRINGSTORM to support NATO allies in real-life scenarios.

Personnel from 26 Regiment Royal Artillery and 744 Naval Air Squadron worked alongside the ship’s company of XV Patrick Blackett. Callen-Lenz said the trial marked a significant step towards delivering Maritime One-Way Effectors at pace, with potential for further trials aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth.

The trials are part of the UK’s wider move towards a Hybrid Navy. The concept combines crewed warships and units with uncrewed systems to expand reach, increase tempo and enhance operational capability.

The activity also supports capabilities backed by the Defence Investment Plan. The plan commits more than £5 billion to drone and autonomous systems, including new classes of uncrewed naval vessels intended to operate alongside crewed warships.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said: “Britain is serious about the transition to a Hybrid Navy with new, powerful drones at the heart of the Royal Navy.” “By bringing together Army and Navy expertise to field strike drones from a ship at sea, we are accelerating the capabilities our forces need to stay ahead of our adversaries.”

Lieutenant Commander David Burton, Maritime One Way Effectors capability sponsor, added: “This trial makes a significant step forward in delivering Maritime One-Way Effectors at pace.” “Under Project Vantage we are planning to integrate these capabilities into the Hybrid Navy, combining crewed platforms with uncrewed systems to expand reach, increase tempo and enhance lethality.”

“Working closely with our Army colleagues, this activity demonstrates how we are accelerating Atlantic Strike concepts into practical, deployable capabilities of the Fleet.” The trial moves Project VANTAGE from land-based experience towards maritime integration of one-way effectors.