UK disposable frontline drones set for 2025 deployment while collaborative platforms await decision
The post-Mosquito combat drone project, launched in November 2022, would fall into the Tier 2 category of ACPs. (Photo: UK RAF/Crown Copyright)
Reflecting on lessons learned from the cancellation of the Mosquito programme, the Royal Air Force has redefined the role of uncrewed systems within its ranks through a tiered system.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) will field an operationally capable, disposable Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) drone system – or family of systems – by the end of 2025, the head of the service said on 27 March.
Delivering the closing keynote speech at the RUSI Combat Air Conference 2024, air chief marshal Sir Richard Knighton emphasised that the RAF's experience with the cancellation of the Mosquito programme (part of the Lightweight Affordable Novel Combat Aircraft, or LANCA project) provided valuable insights for reevaluating the role of uncrewed systems within the force. The RAF was poised to implement a tiered system, with
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone]()
XTEND wins contract for precision strike drone
XTEND is supplying its Scorpio UAS to meet a US DoD requirement for an indoor/outdoor strike drone.
-
![US Congress limits F-35 procurement]()
US Congress limits F-35 procurement
Restrictions cover new purchases of the three variants of the multirole fighter and require the DoD to correct issues in the acquisition programme.
-
![Spain makes order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoons]()
Spain makes order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoons
Known as the Halcon II programme, the order covers 21 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft, set to be delivered between 2030 and 2035.
