British Navy Demonstrates Drone Boat Use in U.S. to Expand Future Naval Strike Operations

The Royal Navy demonstrated a Kraken K3 unmanned surface vessel launching three Short-Range Loitering Munition-10 quadcopters at Naval Base Point Loma, San Diego, on October 20, 2026. The activity formed part of AUKUS Maritime Big Play Pacific, which brings together more than 40 government and industry technologies from Australia, Britain and the United States. The configuration combines a mobile maritime launch platform with aerial payloads and relates to Britain's £12.3 million Project Beehive purchase of 20 Kraken boats. The demonstration established launch integration, without confirming live-warhead target destruction, autonomous engagement or an operationally fielded naval strike capability.