Royal Navy invests in unmanned technology with new multi-role support ships (X @UKDefJournal)
The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed its commitment to developing unmanned maritime and amphibious technologies, highlighting their integration with manned vessels as essential for the future of the Royal Navy.
Defence Secretary Maria Eagle stated that unmanned systems will play a central role in the new Multi-Role Support Ships (MRSS), designed to modernize the amphibious fleet and improve response capabilities in conflicts and crises. These ships will replace older models and feature floodable docks for landing craft, hangars for drones and helicopters, as well as modular spaces for troop transport and various operations.
The MRSS program is in the concept phase, with detailed studies on operational requirements, design, and financial feasibility being conducted by the Royal Navy and the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) sector.
A preliminary plan is expected to be presented by mid-2025, allowing the transition to the evaluation phase in 2026, and the first ship of the fleet is expected to enter service in 2033. These new ships will be vital for amphibious operations, enabling rapid troop and equipment mobilization through drone technology and autonomous vehicles.
Additionally, the Ministry of Defence is analyzing lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine, where unmanned naval systems demonstrated their effectiveness in surveillance, attack, and logistics missions.
The war has reinforced the importance of these technologies in modern naval warfare, directly influencing the United Kingdom’s approach to integrating them into future Royal Navy and Royal Marines operations.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @UKDefJournal | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Delivering uncrewed systems will feature heavily in the design specifications of the Multi-Role Support Ships – the next generation of amphibious ships.https://t.co/y2I0Smw79A
— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) February 26, 2025
