It’s emerged the first of class HMS Astute submarine has successfully launched and recovered an uncrewed underwater vehicle.
The Royal Navy said a recent trial in the Mediterranean, code-named Project Scylla, demonstrated the possibility of making use of torpedo tube launched vehicles which will increase the capability options for UK nuclear-powered attack submarines.
The project marks a significant step forward in underwater capability, removing the need for a submarine to surface to recover the UUV. Details of how exactly the device was recovered are classified.
The exercise opens up future assignments which could include supporting reconnaissance, underwater communications, and seabed warfare missions.
Project Scylla is being delivered through AUKUS Pillar 2, which develops advanced capabilities to benefit both Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security.
“Delivery of these trials demonstrates our commitment to the use of advanced capabilities as part of a future hybrid fleet and are a big step forward in delivering new capability to the Submarine Service,” Commodore Marcus Rose, deputy director underwater battlespace capabilities, said.
The trial was delivered by the Submarine Delivery Agency’s Autonomy Unit in partnership with L3Harris which has a site in Barrow.
As part of its Atlantic Bastion ambition the Royal Navy is aiming to make use of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence to increase the warfighting capabilities of the fleet.
HMS Astute is currently undergoing a mid-life refit in Devonport.
