'Effective surveillance' enhanced as new Royal Navy drones deployed to Gibraltar amid Russia and Iran threat
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Advanced surveillance drones are to be deployed in a vital shipping corridor amid growing threats from Russia and Iran.
The Royal Navy has begun using the Anafi Parrot quadcopter at its base in Gibraltar. Personnel based at the British Overseas Territory are regularly deployed to monitor Russian warships and shadow fleets vessels traversing the nearby strait and Alboran Sea.
This new intelligence-gathering apparatus will now be part of the suite of options used to safeguard visits by major British warships, with the possibility of using the technology in other operations. The clearance to use it – and other smaller drones - was made easier.
Commanding Officer for the Royal Naval Gibraltar Squadron, Commander Jonathan Davies, said: “The Anafi drones have enhanced our ability to deliver effective surveillance during both routine patrols and major tasking. Whether supporting Intelligence gathering tasks or protecting high value units such as the Carrier Strike Group, the system’s clear imagery significantly improves situational awareness and supports tactical decision making.
“The improved integration of remotely piloted systems reflects the Royal Navy’s commitment to adopting modern technology that delivers operational advantage. As the Squadron continues to refine its procedures and explore more opportunities to further enhance its use, drone technology will play an increasingly important role in supporting both routine patrols and high-profile maritime security activity.”
The clearance to use it – and other smaller drones - was made easier. Ship-air release regulations were proving to be a bottleneck for the use of lightweight drones under 25kg. The rules were designed for larger, more complex systems, and remain in place. This has proven to be time-consuming, often taking weeks or even months to approve smaller lower risk drones, which could hinder front-line operations.
A new accreditation process was developed amid various tests with Anafi Parrot quadcopters aboard HMS Cutless and HMS Dagger. The success of those trials means the simplified accreditation is now being considered for further drone operations from vessels such as the Portsmouth-based experimental ship XV Patrick Blackett, Vahana boats sued by divers, and craft operated by 43 and 47 Commandos.