UK to develop new maritime drone for Ukraine
The UK government, together with the Ministry of Defence, has announced the launch of a project to create a stealthy maritime drone designed to perform combat missions in Ukraine and abroad.
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The search for companies to participate in the development will begin on 22 January 2025 during the COOKSON Challenge Session in London. Partners from NATO countries, the Five Eyes (intelligence alliance) and Ukrainian specialists are invited to cooperate.
"If you have experience with boats and ships, launch systems, surface-to-surface weapons, air defence systems, GNSS-protected maritime navigation, sensors, integrators, autonomous systems or beyond line-of-sight communications, this session may be of interest to you," the UK Ministry of Defence said.
The Magura V5 maritime drone. Illustration: "SpetsTechnoExport"
The project envisages the creation of a small assault ship capable of operating in difficult conditions, with a modular weapon system capable of performing autonomous tasks even in the event of signal loss. The future drone should have a maximum speed of over 40 knots in three-point sea state, a range of about 1300 km with a full load and an autonomy of 72 hours, and the ability to carry several missiles with a range of 30-100 km and a warhead of 80 kg. The drone must also be able to defend itself against other drones and helicopters.
Production is expected to be relatively low-cost and to be carried out at a rate of 2-3 drones per month, with the simultaneous purchase of hundreds of munitions. The first tests of drones and munitions will begin in late 2025.
The project will rely on British industry with the involvement of international partners to accelerate production and meet Ukraine's needs.
Source: UK Defence Journal
