London(The COW News Digital) The United Kingdom’s Royal Navy has officially introduced a new uncrewed helicopter designed to enhance maritime security and counter emerging sea-based threats. The aircraft, named Proteus, has successfully completed its first test flight, marking a significant step forward in the Royal Navy’s use of autonomous defense technology.
According to the Royal Navy, Proteus has been developed at a cost of approximately £60 million, equivalent to around $80 million, reflecting Britain’s growing investment in advanced naval and aerial systems. The helicopter has been built by Leonardo, a leading defense and aerospace technology company, in close collaboration with the UK’s defense authorities.
Proteus is an autonomous, pilotless helicopter capable of operating in complex maritime environments. Naval officials say the platform is designed to support a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and underwater target monitoring. Its advanced sensors and autonomous systems allow it to operate for extended periods, reducing risks to human crews while improving operational efficiency.
The Royal Navy emphasized that the helicopter is intended to strengthen situational awareness across vast sea areas, particularly in regions where underwater threats such as submarines and unmanned vehicles pose increasing challenges. By deploying Proteus, naval forces will be able to monitor hostile movements more effectively and respond to threats with greater precision.
Defense experts note that the introduction of uncrewed aerial systems reflects a broader shift in modern naval strategy. Autonomous platforms like Proteus can be deployed from naval vessels, conduct persistent surveillance, and relay real-time intelligence back to command centers. This capability is expected to play a crucial role in future maritime operations, especially as global naval competition intensifies.
Leonardo officials stated that Proteus incorporates cutting-edge flight control systems, secure communications, and modular mission payloads. This allows the helicopter to be adapted for different operational requirements without extensive modifications. The system is also expected to work alongside crewed helicopters, enhancing the Royal Navy’s overall air capability rather than replacing existing assets.
The successful test flight of Proteus highlights the UK’s commitment to maintaining technological superiority at sea. Further trials and evaluations are planned before the helicopter enters regular operational service. Once fully deployed, Proteus is expected to significantly enhance the Royal Navy’s ability to safeguard maritime routes and counter underwater threats in an increasingly complex security environment.
