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The Royal Navy has carried out the first flight of its largest uncrewed helicopter, marking a significant step in Britain’s efforts to strengthen security in the North Atlantic as regional tensions continue to rise.
The autonomous aircraft, known as Proteus, is designed to undertake dangerous and demanding missions such as tracking submarines and conducting maritime surveillance without putting aircrew at risk. The navy confirmed the helicopter successfully completed an initial test flight on Friday.
European defence priorities have shifted sharply since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, prompting increased military spending and renewed focus on protecting strategic sea routes. The North Atlantic remains a key area of concern, particularly routes used by Russian ships and submarines between Greenland, Iceland and the UK.
Proteus has been developed as part of a £60 million programme aimed at strengthening Britain’s defences and supporting NATO operations against what the navy described as changing and increasingly complex threats.
Built by defence and aerospace company Leonardo, the helicopter uses advanced sensors and software-driven systems that allow it to assess its surroundings and operate independently. According to the navy, it will be used for anti-submarine warfare, patrol missions and the detection of underwater activity.
Leonardo Helicopters UK managing director Nigel Colman said the aircraft represents a major advance in maritime aviation, allowing long-duration and high-risk tasks to be carried out in harsh environments without exposing personnel to danger.
While the Royal Navy already deploys smaller drone aircraft for surveillance, Proteus is larger and far more capable, significantly expanding the service’s uncrewed aviation capacity.
