Royal Navy Gets New Helicopter Drone for ISR Missions

The Royal Navy's 700X Naval Air Squadron, based at RNAS Culdrose, is set to integrate the Peregrine helicopter drone into its fleet.

Specializing in drone technology, the squadron currently operates Puma reconnaissance drones alongside existing naval assets like helicopters, jets, and warships. The addition of the Peregrine Rotary Wing Uncrewed Aircraft System (RWUAS) is expected to enhance the squadron's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

The Peregrine system is built on the Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 platform, which has accumulated over 120,000 flight hours.

The Peregrine, which has been previously trialled aboard the Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster, will allow drone operators to quickly detect and identify unknown targets through its S-100 sensor suite. These sensors, which include the Thales I-Master radar and electro-optical/infra-red systems, provide real-time imagery and radar data during patrols. The drone is capable of working alongside crewed Wildcat helicopters to offer enhanced situational awareness.

Currently, the squadron has nine qualified teams operating the Puma drone system, with six of these teams supporting Royal Marines' operations. The inclusion of the Peregrine drone is part of the squadron’s preparations ahead of its fifth anniversary in November and signals a boost to the Royal Navy’s aerial ISR capacity as it adapts to evolving mission requirements.