Royal Navy test new drones in futuristic drill with the Royal Marines
HI-TECH drones carrying resupplies of ammunition and tiny helicopters providing live video feed of enemy positions have been tested by the Royal Navy’s elite commando force.
Royal Marines have been getting to grips with the new state-of-the-art kit during a series of futuristic training drills in Cyprus.
The new technology, among a raft of futuristic gadgets being trialled by the Royal Navy, is set to be integrated into the navy’s Future Commando Force.
And it was put to the test in a series of 40 different ‘experiments’ spread out across nine exercises on Cyprus.
Six-wheeled/tracked ‘quad bikes’ have been tested to move two-man commando teams and their kit rapidly around the island.
Overhead small drones monitored ‘enemy’ movements, providing leaders with unparalleled information on their foes – resulting in a successful assault on a heavily-manned 'enemy' position.
Meanwhile large Malloy T-150 quadcopter drones – capable of carrying loads of more than 60kg over distances as much as 70 kilometres (43 miles) – ferried ammunition and food to the men of 40 Commando as they fought their way through ancient ruins.
‘The attack was well planned and served as a confirmation that the commandos had successfully meshed the innovative technology into their set up,’ said Sergeant Adam Sperry of 30 Commando IX Group, the Royal Marines' intelligence specialists.
‘The Marines have had to swiftly learn how to use the new equipment and integrate it. That kit has included state of the art communications technology and autonomous resupply aircraft, totally transforming the battle space.’