First Crewless Boat Piloted Remotely in UK Waters

A crewless Pacific 24 rigid-inflatable boat has been tested in the Solent for the first time in UK waters, operating remotely and autonomously under the control of a Royal Navy vessel.

The boat, which plays a key role in Royal Navy operations such as rescues and intercepting drug runners, was piloted from the XV Patrick Blackett ship during the trials off Portsmouth.

The week-long tests pushed the uncrewed vessel to its limits, operating in rough seas and snow while being pre-programmed for autonomous maneuvers and controlled remotely by a Royal Marine aboard the ship. This is the first time the Pacific 24 was tested in the busy waterways of Portsmouth Harbour, navigating around ferries, other Royal Navy ships, and private boats.

The autonomous system, known as the APAC (Autonomous PACific), had previously been tested abroad, including in Portugal with NATO partners during Exercise Repmus. The Solent trials showcased the uncrewed vessel's ability to operate in challenging conditions, simulating real-world scenarios for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

Equipped with cameras and sensors, the uncrewed boat transmitted live footage back to the control units aboard XV Patrick Blackett, allowing data to be analyzed in real-time. This new capability could enhance the Royal Navy’s operations by enabling the addition of other sensors and weapons for future missions.